Certain medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can potentially cause damage to your ears and hearing, and notably, can cause tinnitus. These medications are called “ototoxic drugs,” and there are more than 130 of them on the market today. But please don’t let this alarm you. Most of these medicines are essential to treat cancer, infections and heart disease. Understanding ototoxicity isn’t about avoiding necessary medications or causing stress. Like any medication that can cause side effects, it’s about being informed and proactive about your hearing health while managing other medical conditions. This information is to help you have better conversations with your doctor about finding the right balance for your specific situation.
What Does Ototoxic Mean?
The word itself is rather literal: “oto” means ear, and “toxic” means poison. When a medication is ototoxic, it can damage the ear as a potential side effect.
What Do Ototoxic Chemicals Do to My Ear?
Ototoxic chemicals damage the sensory cells in the inner ear. They accumulate and damage the hair cells in the ear, which are responsible for transmitting electrical auditory information to the brain. Depending on the dosage and the regularity with which the medication is taken, the effects may range from temporary symptoms to permanent damage.
What Are the Effects I May Notice from Ototoxic Medication?
When the hair cells sustain damage, they can affect sound detection and balance. The first symptom of ototoxicity is usually ringing in the ears, which is also called tinnitus. In most cases, tinnitus is an acute, temporary side effect. If you have already experienced tinnitus prior to taking ototoxic drugs, watch out for an increase in volume or intensity.
Further signs to watch out for are:
- Dizziness and loss of balance
- Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds
- Vertigo
- Mild hearing loss
How Can I Protect Myself from Ototoxicity?
As mentioned before, the answer is not to avoid all ototoxic drugs if you need them to manage another condition; often, the benefits outweigh the risks. Be assured that your health care team will consider all medications’ effects when creating a treatment plan for you. Many of the symptoms are temporary and will cease when you stop taking the ototoxic medicines.
The best way to protect yourself is to be vigilant. Monitor your hearing and balance before and during treatment, and watch for any changes to your hearing or tinnitus. When you perceive a new symptom that could indicate ototoxicity, speak to an audiologist right away and discuss ways to prevent lasting damage. Sound Advice is ready to assist you in managing the risks associated with ototoxic drugs.