Ototoxicity: What It Is and What It Means for Your Hearing
Our ears are incredibly sensitive. Outside factors such as chemicals, medications, or radiation can have a negative impact on the inner ear, leading to permanent sensorineural hearing loss. This is known as ototoxicity.
Many medications we take are actually harmful to the ears and can lead to hearing loss. It’s important to understand how your medications can affect you and what to do about it if they are ototoxic.
Ototoxicity
Ototoxic translate to “ear poison” and is one of the leading causes of inner ear damage worldwide. Ototoxicity targets the cochlear and vestibular structures of the inner ear, leading to permanent hearing loss. Millions of people with hearing loss developed their impairment due to ototoxic drug use or exposure.
Some common signs of ototoxicity include:
- Hearing loss
- Feeling of fullness in the ear
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Nausea
- Dizziness or loss of balance
If you take prescribed medications and have started to notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to have your hearing checked.
Medications That Can Harm Hearing
Common medications you may take when you are sick or to relieve pain could be ototoxic and you may not even realize it, such as:
- Certain antibiotics
- Diuretics
- Chemo agents
- NSAIDs
- Pain relievers (Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Tylenol, etc.) while taken occasionally are okay, daily use can be harmful
Ototoxic Chemicals in the Workplace
Certain occupations and careers expose workers to harmful chemicals or substances that can lead to hearing loss. Solvents, asphyxiants, and certain metals and compounds can be dangerous to hearing when exposed to over time.
If you work in an occupation with these types of chemicals, it is necessary to have your hearing checked on a regular basis to catch any signs of loss early.
Uthe Hearing Aid and Audiology Centers Can Help
We offer comprehensive hearing services to identify hearing loss due to ototoxicity and solutions to help you hear better. We are proud to serve the people of Des Moines, Pella, and the surrounding communities.
Be proactive of your hearing health by scheduling an appointment today!