If you take any of these five medications, you could be at risk of hearing loss

Certain commonly used medications can cause temporary or even permanent hearing loss, according to specialists cited by The Conversation and Reuters. While side effects like nausea or dizziness are widely recognised, a lesser-known but more serious risk is ototoxicity—damage that certain substances can inflict on the inner ear.

This type of damage can affect both the cochlea, which is responsible for hearing, and the vestibular system, which regulates balance. Symptoms may include ringing in the ears (tinnitus), difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds, dizziness, vertigo, or a sensation of pressure in the ears. These effects vary depending on the specific medication, the dosage, the duration of treatment, and the patient’s individual susceptibility.

Some of the most well-known ototoxic drugs are aminoglycoside antibiotics such as gentamicin and streptomycin, which are used to treat severe infections like sepsis or meningitis. While potentially life-saving, these antibiotics are directly associated with irreversible hearing loss, particularly when administered in high doses or over extended periods. Other antibiotics—including erythromycin, azithromycin, and vancomycin—can also impair hearing, especially in older adults or individuals with kidney problems.

Certain heart medications, such as loop diuretics like furosemide and bumetanide, may cause temporary hearing loss by disrupting the fluid balance in the inner ear. Tinnitus has also been linked to antihypertensive drugs such as ramipril and amlodipine, although more research is needed to confirm their impact on hearing.

Chemotherapy drugs, particularly those containing platinum compounds such as cisplatin and carboplatin, pose a significant risk as well. Used to treat a range of cancers, these medications can cause hearing loss in up to 60% of patients, with the risk increasing when combined with radiation therapy to the head or neck.

Even widely available painkillers—including aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and paracetamol—have been associated with tinnitus and hearing impairment. Studies suggest that frequent use of these drugs, especially among women under 60, substantially increases the risk, although the effects often subside once the medication is stopped.

Antimalarials like chloroquine, quinine, and hydroxychloroquine—used not only for malaria but also for conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis—also appear on the list. Between 25% and 33% of those experiencing hearing loss have taken these drugs. While some of the damage may be reversible, prolonged use or high doses can result in permanent impairment.

People most at risk of drug-induced hearing loss include those with a history of hearing problems, kidney disease, or genetic predispositions, as well as children, the elderly, and individuals taking multiple ototoxic medications simultaneously. In cases where such drugs are essential for treating serious conditions like cancer or tuberculosis, the benefits often outweigh the risks.

Still, experts stress the importance of watching for early symptoms—such as ringing in the ears, dizziness, or a sensation of fullness in the ear—and seeking medical advice immediately.

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