PROHIERAN Blog

It’s true that loud music, chronic ear infections, certain pre-natal conditions, and even some illnesses can cause hearing loss. But another common cause of hearing loss, especially in developing countries, is ototoxicity. An ototoxic hearing loss occurs when a person takes or is prescribed a drug that causes hearing loss as a side effect. Ototoxic medications are those drugs that have a potential to cause damage to inner ear structures.

Many times the ototoxic hearing loss is temporary, and full hearing is later restored. Hearing loss can also be reversed or stopped when the drug is no longer taken. Other times, however, the hearing loss is permanent. The degree of hearing loss that occurs may depend on the amount and duration of the particular medication. The risk of hearing loss may increase if you are being prescribed with more than one ototoxic medication.

In certain cases, the drugs prescribed are considered life-saving, and the hearing loss is an unfortunate side affect of being able to live. In addition, some over-the-counter drugs can have hearing loss as a side effect. You want to be absolutely certain of what you are taking, including benefits as well as possible side effects, before agreeing to any medication. Your doctor can discuss pros and cons with you so you can make the most informed decision possible. Some examples of ototoxic drugs can include certain chemotherapy drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and diuretics.

If you have an existing sensorineural hearing loss, regardless of the cause of the condition, you are more vulnerable to aggravation of ototoxic hearing loss when using ototoxic medications.   

Recommended guidelines for being aware of a potentially preventing ototoxicity include:

• Informing your doctor if you have a sensorineural hearing loss or nerve-type hearing loss every time any new medication is prescribed
• Always ask your doctor and pharmacist about any possible side effects with any medication you are prescribed before taking
• Be aware of early signs of ototoxicity, which can include tinnitus (ringing or sounds in one or both ears); increased pressure in the ears; the development of vertigo (becoming dizzy or having a spinning sensation).
• If you exhibit any new symptoms of potential hearing loss, contact your doctor immediately for a comprehensive evaluation as to whether the medicine being prescribed is the right answer for you.

Awareness and action are steps to helping to preserve your hearing. Also consider PROHIERAN, the all natural hearing wellness supplement.

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