CBC: "Over the counter painkillers linked to hearing loss"

[[La...]]

A recent study done on 56,000 women in the US linked non-steroidal anti-flammatory (NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) with hearing loss. Apparently, the study is "observational' and doesn't prove a cause-and-effect link, but it's certainly worth taking note of the association.

 

http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/hearing-loss-painkillers-1.3910809

[[bu...]]

"Women in the study who used NSAIDs at least twice a week for six years or more were 10 per cent more likely to report hearing loss than participants who used these drugs for less than one year. With acetaminophen, regular users for at least six years were 9 per cent more likely to report defective hearing than short-term users, researchers report in the American Journal of Epidemiology."

 

"However, the study is observational and doesn't prove these painkillers cause hearing impairment."

 

"The hearing loss was self-reported and not measured objectively with hearing tests,"

 

"It's also possible that some of the hearing loss associated with painkillers might be tied to the underlying medical problems people took pain relievers to treat,..."

 

[[La...]]

Yes, builder, I noted the "observational" aspect of the study in my intro. I posted it because I thought it might be of interest to people. If you read a bit about NSAIDs, you'll know that they're on the list of "ototoxic" drugs, i.e. toxic to the ears and/or vestibular system. Many drugs can cause hearing loss and hearing issues, e.g. tinnitus. The NSAIDs are well-known for causing tinnitus.

[[bu...]]

I posted the excerpts because the facts in the article are not nearly as dire as the headline would suggest.  I guess if I had to make a choice between getting relief from daily pain vs a small, unsubstantiated risk of a relationship between the med and a hearing loss, I'm pretty sure I would choose to take the risk.

 

[[La...]]

Agreed. But another person might be taking these medications and thinking that they don't carry any risks. Obviously, this particular study isn't the be-all-and-end-all of studies on this topic, but just like the association between benzos and dementia that we have all learned about, it's worth knowing. The more we know, the better prepared we are to make decisions about what medications to take. I only wish I'd known more about benzos before I ever took one. Knowledge is power.

 

This earlier study might be worth considering, as well as the brochure below it, which contains a list of some ototoxic medications. And yes, benzodiazepines are on the list of ototoxic medications, which is why many of us have ear issues.

 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2831770/ 

 

http://hlaa-sbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Ototoxic_Brochure.pdf

 

 

 

[[me...]]

More and more I realize--there is NO drug that does not have a price to pay. I took ibuprofen for years as a "sleep aid", thinking nothing of it. It took a long time for me to make the connection between chronic overuse injuries that wouldn't heal, and my ibuprofen habit. When I quit the ibuprofen, everything healed up. Now this side effect has been supported through research.

 

Sure it's and observational study, which can be very annoying. Media should always clarify what that actually means and they never do, but at least some caveats are included. If a few people take a second look at their drug usage and re-evaluate, that is certainly a good thing.

[[La...]]

Absolutely! All meds come with risks. I think some of us believe that the over-the-counter meds are less risky, but that's not necessarily so. Let's face it, no one likes pain! But your experience probably gives you a good idea of how these things can backfire.

 

I just used naproxen for a little while, and my tinnitus has ramped up in volume. Not pleasant. I always wonder whether it can affect balance too, but having checked with a few pharmacists, it doesn't seem like that's the case. Still, none of us can be sure if we're pushing the limit on what our individual genetics allows us when it comes to meds. With all of our collective benzo experiences, it's clear that there are many unknowns about meds -- even if we're told that a substance is "safe".

 

Uh huh. Right.

 

 

[[Tr...]]

I'm 52 and have had migraines since my teens. I've taken mountains of NSAIDs, pretty much taking some on a weekly basis for 30+ years. My hearing loss is quite pronounced. Whether or not the two are related, I have no idea.

[[La...]]

Hey Triumph Guy, I'm sorry to hear about that. Another article I read about ototoxicity mentioned the genetic factor and the issue of combinations of medications. Apparently, both of those things that play a role in hearing loss too.

 

I've taken lots of NSAIDs, but so far, my hearing is good. I'm hoping it stays that way.

[[Tr...]]

Hey Triumph Guy, I'm sorry to hear about that. Another article I read about ototoxicity mentioned the genetic factor and the issue of combinations of medications. Apparently, both of those things that play a role in hearing loss too.

 

I've taken lots of NSAIDs, but so far, my hearing is good. I'm hoping it stays that way.

Hi Lapis, Thanks for the reply. My grandmother was deaf as a stone, so it could be genetic I suppose. Maybe all the absurdly loud rock concerts I went to as a teenager didn't help either.  I've also been on so many meds over the years which could be a factor as well. Who knows?

[[La...]]

Yes, it could be a confluence of factors, Triumph Guy. Loud rock concerts could certainly do damage, no doubt about that. I don't think many of us understood or thought about long term consequences of things we were doing as teenagers. That "invincibility" factor shows up with every generation of teens! Now they're using ear buds and headsets, so the hearing loss might start earlier. 

[[Te...]]

I cannot take NSAIDS. A lot of people don't know that they can ramp up blood pressure. And they certainly caused loss of balance in me! I was taking them for a few years. I had a terrible time getting off them - itching, galloping heart rate, and insomnia. It took a few tries before I could get off. Plus they only masked pain. The cause of the pain remained. They made me swell up. Ironically, they didn't cause gastric problems, which they do in a lot of people. I would steer clear of taking these except for on occasion only.