Hearing loss: A side effect of medication?
Hearing loss: A side effect of medication?QuestionIs it true that hearing loss can be caused by certain medications? AnswerYes. Some medications can cause hearing loss or aggravate existing hearing problems. Any drugs with the potential to cause toxic reactions to structures of the inner ear are referred to as ototoxic. The effects of such drugs on your hearing depend on the dose and length of time you take them. Hearing loss caused by some ototoxic drugs may go away when you stop taking the medication. Drugs that are known to cause permanent hearing loss are usually given only when no other alternative exists for treating a life-threatening disease. About 200 drugs are considered potentially ototoxic. If you and your doctor decide that it's in your best interest to take an ototoxic drug, an audiologist may test your hearing before, while and after you take the medication. Your physician will closely monitor test results to help decide how long you can continue the drug or when to change the dosage. If you have existing hearing loss, be sure to let your doctor know. This can help you avoid unnecessary exposure to ototoxic drugs.
Last Updated: 07/19/2006 © 1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "Mayo Clinic Health Information," "Reliable information for a healthier life" and the triple-shield Mayo logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
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