For Women, Painkiller Use May Lead to Hearing Loss

[cs_content][cs_section parallax="false" style="margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;"][cs_row inner_container="true" marginless_columns="false" style="margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;"][cs_column fade="false" fade_animation="in" fade_animation_offset="45px" fade_duration="750" type="1/1" style="padding: 0px;"][cs_text class="cs-ta-justify"]We’ve known for a long time that some drugs can lead to an increased risk of hearing loss. Some anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics, as well as drugs used to treat high blood pressure or cancer have been linked to hearing loss. Even aspirin, when taken in large doses, can lead to hearing loss. A new study has found that long term use of readily available over-the-counter painkillers may lead to an increased risk of hearing loss for women. [/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax="false" style="margin: 0px;padding: 0px 0px 45px;"][cs_row inner_container="true" marginless_columns="false" style="margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;"][cs_column fade="false" fade_animation="in" fade_animation_offset="45px" fade_duration="750" type="1/1" style="padding: 0px;"][x_custom_headline level="h2" looks_like="h3" accent="false"]Which Drugs Cause Hearing Loss[/x_custom_headline][cs_text class="cs-ta-justify"]The question we all want answered is: which drugs cause hearing loss? There’s no simple answer. No drug causes hearing loss, but taking too much of certain medications can increase your chances of developing hearing loss. Women who take ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin) or acetaminophen (like Tylenol) could potentially jeopardize their hearing. Taking these drugs twice per week is all it takes to see an increased risk of hearing loss. The study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, found that around 6% of hearing loss in women could be due to over-using ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Women who took acetaminophen regularly for a year had a higher risk of hearing loss, while women who took ibuprofen didn’t see an increased risk of hearing loss until they’d been taking it for six years or more. For all the women in the study, the more years they were taking painkillers, the higher their chances of impaired hearing.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax="false" style="margin: 0px;padding: 0px 0px 45px;"][cs_row inner_container="true" marginless_columns="false" style="margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;"][cs_column fade="false" fade_animation="in" fade_animation_offset="45px" fade_duration="750" type="1/1" style="padding: 0px;"][x_custom_headline level="h2" looks_like="h3" accent="false"]Do Drugs Cause Hearing Loss?[/x_custom_headline][cs_text class="cs-ta-justify"]Drugs like common painkillers can damage hearing in several ways. Some reduce blood supply, depriving the tiny hair cells in the inner ear of oxygen, and remove protection to the inner ear. However, researchers from the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary who contributed to this study were quick to point out that these medications aren’t the only factors at play. Exposure to loud noises in the workplace or at home, busy city streets, and even headphone use all contribute to damaging hearing. Taking painkillers doesn’t mean you’ll get hearing loss, but added to all the other risk factors in your daily life, your chances of developing hearing loss increase.Hearing loss is extremely common in the United States, with around 48 million Americans struggling with a hearing impairment. It’s important to know the risk factors, and prevent hearing loss. Living with hearing loss has a negative impact on quality of life, strains family relationships, and even affects your ability to do your job. Since these drugs are found in every bathroom cupboard across America, being aware of the risks is important. [/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax="false" style="margin: 0px;padding: 0px 0px 45px;"][cs_row inner_container="true" marginless_columns="false" style="margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;"][cs_column fade="false" fade_animation="in" fade_animation_offset="45px" fade_duration="750" type="1/1" style="padding: 0px;"][x_custom_headline level="h2" looks_like="h3" accent="false"]Preventing Hearing Loss[/x_custom_headline][cs_text class="cs-ta-justify"]Even though ibuprofen and acetaminophen are available over the counter, and no one is stopping you from taking them often, it’s important to take painkillers and other medications only when needed, or as recommended by your doctor. Never exceed the recommended dose, or take medication for longer than necessary.Many women and men are using over-the-counter painkillers on a daily basis for general ache and pains, or to manage headaches and muscle pains. Occasional use of drugs to control pain won’t lead to any side effects, or negatively impact your hearing. However, this research reminds us that using these drugs two or more days a week for long periods of time could lead to serious health consequences, and put your hearing at risk. If you are taking painkillers regularly, visit your doctor to discuss what’s causing the pain, and explore other options for managing the symptoms. [/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax="false" style="margin: 0px;padding: 0px 0px 45px;"][cs_row inner_container="true" marginless_columns="false" style="margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;"][cs_column fade="false" fade_animation="in" fade_animation_offset="45px" fade_duration="750" type="1/1" style="padding: 0px;"][x_custom_headline level="h2" looks_like="h3" accent="false"]Protect Your Hearing[/x_custom_headline][cs_text class="cs-ta-justify"]Hearing loss is a common problem as people age. You’re exposed to loud noises at work, at noisy leisure activities like music concerts, and at home in front of the TV or with your headphones in. Over use of painkillers and the natural aging process also lead to hearing loss. To protect your hearing, avoid noisy situations if possible, or wear ear protection in noise. Turn down the TV volume, and keep the volume low on your personal headphones. This study shows that it’s time to recognize the risk of painkillers, and reduce your use of these drugs, never taking them as a long-term solution to managing pain.If you have hearing loss we’ve got you covered. Call us today at Atlanta Hearing Doctor to book a hearing test and get fitted for hearing aids! We want you to get back to hearing all the sounds you’ve been missing.[/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax="false" style="margin: 0px;padding: 0px 0px 45px;"][cs_row inner_container="true" marginless_columns="false" style="margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;"][cs_column fade="false" fade_animation="in" fade_animation_offset="45px" fade_duration="750" type="1/1" style="padding: 0px;"][x_callout title="Atlanta Hearing Doctor" message="Reach out to our friendly team today. We look forward to working with you on your journey to better hearing.(404) 252-7528" type="center" button_text="Talk to us" circle="false" button_icon="lightbulb-o" href="https://www.atlantahearingdoctor.com/contact/" href_title="" target=""][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]