Are you familiar with the phrase, ototoxic? It refers to a substance that is harmful to hearing. Ototoxic medications can cause hearing loss, balance difficulties, and tinnitus. I had vaguely known that there were medications that can negatively impact hearing, but I guess I assumed it was uncommon medications or an unusual side effect. I was recently doing some reading in Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance and was surprised to learn several of these medications are pretty common.

I want to clarify that I am not recommending anyone change their medications based on this blog. But I think it is wise for folks with single sided deafness- who are very protective of what hearing remains- to be aware of potential hazards. I think it would be a good policy anytime a doctor is prescribing medication to mention that you have hearing loss and would prefer options (if they exist) that are not ototoxic.

I also want to mention that some medications can harm hearing only while you are actively taking the medication, and your hearing reverts after you stop taking it, while others can cause permanent damage. Also, some of the more commonly taken medications are only ototoxic in prolonged high doses- so remember to take your medications safely and only as prescribed.

There are over 200 medications known to be ototoxic. I am not going to list them all here as I am not a medical professional but you can find a table of ototoxic medications here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3138949/

I think it surprises no one that medications like chemotherapy can be ototoxic. However, I was very surprised to hear tylenol, NSAIDS (like ibuprofen), and aspirin can be ototoxic. Those are only ototxic for high dose usage that is prolonged (another reason to not overdo on pain relief). Also, opiods like vicodin are ototoxic. I was also surprised that antivirals and antibiotics can be- including a fairly common one, azithromycin. Anti-malarial medications, some high blood pressure meds, and diuretics like lasix can also be ototoxic.

Many of these medications can be taken safely with proper precaution. Not everyone who takes them experiences hearing difficulties. Some of these medications are life saving and often worth potential downsides. Nonetheless, I think it is helpful to be knowledgeable about how to maintain our hearing health.

There is a great article with more information on ototoxicity here: https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/51183-Medications-that-contribute-to-hearing-loss