Antibiotics are necessary, sometimes life-saving medications. However, like all drugs, they are not without side effects. Some antibiotics are ototoxic, which means they have the ability to damage the ear.
Why Do Some Antibiotics Damage Hearing?
Ototoxic antibiotics can cause hearing loss by damaging the hair cells in the inner ear. These cells detect sound and motion and play an important role in the hearing process. Once they are damaged, they cannot be repaired. Enough damage will lead to permanent hearing loss.
What Antibiotics are Ototoxic?
Aminoglycosides are a certain type of antibiotic that can damage your ears. They are a powerful medication, often used to treat life-threatening conditions like meningitis, sepsis and serious respiratory infections. Some of the more common examples of these drugs are:
- Streptomycin
- Neomycin
- Vancomycin
- Amikacin
- Gentamicin
- Paromomycin
Doctors are wary of their potential hearing side effects, which is why their use is usually limited to critical medical situations.
Can Other Medications Cause Hearing Loss?
Aminoglycosides are not the only type of medication that can cause hearing loss. Currently, there are more than 200 known ototoxic medications on the market. Some are used to treat serious conditions like heart diseases and cancer.
Many of these medications are only available by prescription. However, some are available over-the-counter as well. If you are unsure whether or not your medication could affect your hearing, ask your doctor or pharmacist at Little Five Points Pharmacy.
Visit an Audiologist for Hearing or Balance Issues
If you are taking or have recently been treated with an ototoxic medication, keep an eye out for any of the following symptoms:
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Feeling dizzy or unsteady
- Asking others to repeat themselves more frequently
- Trouble understanding speech, especially in crowded environments
- Difficulty hearing phone conversations
If you notice these or experience any other hearing or balance-related issues, call an audiologist for an appointment right away. The longer you wait to treat hearing loss, the worse it will likely become. Not to mention, untreated hearing loss can lead to worsening physical, mental and cognitive health.
If you have additional questions or concerns about antibiotics and hearing loss or wish to schedule an appointment with one of our experts, contact Advanced Hearing today.