Learn which medications could cause permanent hearing loss

 

Mexico City, April 18, 2023.- There are more than 200 prescription and over-the-counter medications on the market that can cause balance problems, ringing in the ears and even temporary or permanent hearing loss in those who consume them.

 

In the framework of World Health Day, which took place on April 7, MED-EL, a leader in hearing medical solutions, explains that the use of these drugs, better known as ototoxic, could cause damage to the sensory organs that are in the inner ear responsible for hearing.

 

Several studies have shown that substances that cause partial or reversible deafness are the analgesics salcylate (which also treats heart conditions), quinine (for the treatment of malaria) and some diuretics (for the control of certain heart and kidney conditions).

 

While some aminoglycoside antibiotics, such as gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin and streptomycin, as well as those used in cancer therapy such as cisplatin and carboniplatino could boost the progress of permanent hearing loss.

 

MED-EL specialists share that the symptoms presented by patients with this condition can be cochlear or vestibular. In the first case, tinnitus or ringing in the ears is evident and may or may not be accompanied by deafness. The vestibular appears when the person is in motion and manifests discomforts such as headaches, dizziness, vertigo, nausea or vomiting. Ototoxicity may also affect the fetus or neonate during pregnancy.

 

"With an audiometry we can detect hearing loss early. Sometimes, balance problems may not be perceived by patients because our body compensates for them through mechanisms that come from the brain or sight. It is very important to know what these drugs are considered ototoxic and to be aware of the reactions of our body, when we are exposed to them.", explained Dr. Jimena Atuan, specialist in Audiology, Phoniatrics and Otoneurology of MED-EL.

 

Factors that increase the risk of inability to perceive sounds are related to the duration of therapy, modality of dose administration (single, multiple, daily and total), previous treatment with aminoglycoside antibiotics (AAG), combination of AGG and loop diuretic, monitoring of cochleovestibular function, the patient's age, if suffering from renal dysfunction, serious infections and genetics.

 

MED-EL recommends to the general population, it suggests to perform audiometric controls at least once a year, look for the indicated solution that allows you to listen, and in turn improve your quality of life.