This latest study found women who used the pain relievers ibuprofen or acetaminophen for 6 years or more had a 10% higher risk of hearing loss compared with those who used these medications for a year or less.
Researchers examined data from more than 55,000 women between the ages of 48 and 73. They also reported women taking Tylenol were 9% more likely to report hearing problems.
Do we know why this is happening?
The study didn’t investigate how the drugs affected hearing. But they may affect cells in the ear or affect blood and oxygen flow to areas that lead to hearing loss. If you regularly take pain-relievers for recurrent headaches, aches or pains, don’t just rely on drugs. Be sure to find the root cause of your pain and what alternative solutions may help.
What about aspirin use?
The research team did not find hearing loss connected with aspirin use. In the past, high dosages of aspirin was linked to hearing loss, but those dosages haven’t been common over the last couple decades.
What are your prescriptions?
Hearing loss is extremely common and can really impact your quality of life. To help protect your hearing, here are my prescriptions:
Partha’s RX:
1. Avoid Too Much Noise
Turn down the volume on your TV, radio and any personal listening devices.
2. Wear Hearing Protection in Noisy Settings
Protect your ears now with earplugs or earmuffs - don’t wait as noise-related damage cannot be reversed.
3. Talk to your doctor if you regularly take pain mediation and you’re concerned about your hearing
Stopping medication may not be beneficial if your condition will negatively affect your daily life.
4.Discuss any change in medication use with your doctor
This includes prescription and over-the-counter products – that way you’re aware of the risks and benefits and can ask about alternatives.
Are there other health consequences associated with pain medications?
Other studies found that regular use of ibuprofen or acetaminophen have increased heart failure risk, kidney problems and hypertension. hearing may be affected by long term use of the drugs.
