Concerned That a Medication or Chemical Exposure May Be Affecting Your Hearing?
Certain medications and chemical exposures can affect the structures responsible for hearing and balance. This is known as ototoxicity. Changes may include hearing loss, tinnitus or problems with dizziness and balance.
If you notice a change in your hearing while taking medication or following a chemical exposure, contact the healthcare professional managing your treatment. Do not stop or change a prescribed medication without speaking with that provider.
A comprehensive hearing evaluation can help document your current hearing and identify changes that may require additional medical care. Call Colorado Hearing at 970-318-2010 to schedule an adult hearing evaluation in Montrose, Colorado.
What Is Ototoxicity?
Ototoxicity is damage to the inner ear caused by certain medications or chemical agents. It may affect the cochlea, which supports hearing, or the vestibular system, which helps control balance.
Not everyone taking a potentially ototoxic medication will experience hearing or balance problems. The risk can depend on the specific medication, dosage, length of treatment, other medications, overall health and individual susceptibility.
Medications associated with ototoxic effects can include certain:
- Chemotherapy drugs
- Aminoglycoside antibiotics
- Loop diuretics
- High-dose salicylates
Some industrial chemicals may also contribute to hearing damage, particularly when chemical exposure occurs alongside excessive workplace noise. Your prescribing clinician, pharmacist or occupational health provider can explain the risks associated with a specific medication or exposure.
Possible Signs of Ototoxic Hearing or Balance Changes
Symptoms can begin during treatment, shortly afterward or, in some cases, after treatment has ended. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- New or worsening hearing loss
- Ringing, buzzing or other sounds in the ears
- Difficulty understanding speech
- Dizziness or a spinning sensation
- Unsteadiness or difficulty maintaining balance
Sudden hearing loss requires prompt medical attention. Seek immediate medical evaluation rather than waiting for a routine hearing appointment.
How Hearing Testing Can Help
When a medication with known hearing risks is medically necessary, hearing testing may help establish a baseline and document changes over time. Testing may include pure-tone thresholds, speech-understanding measurements and an evaluation of middle-ear function.
Brian Bennett, BC-HIS, has completed more than 2,500 adult hearing evaluations and uses a sound-treated testing area, audiometer and tympanometer to assess hearing and middle-ear function.
A hearing evaluation does not determine whether a medication is safe, identify the medical cause of every hearing change or replace care from your physician. When findings require medical evaluation or specialized monitoring, Colorado Hearing will recommend that you contact the appropriate medical provider or audiologist.
Help for Hearing Loss Associated With Ototoxicity
Some medication-related hearing changes may be temporary, while others may be permanent. The appropriate response depends on the medication, the nature of the hearing change and your medical needs.
Your prescribing clinician may review your treatment when clinically appropriate. If hearing loss remains, Colorado Hearing can explain available hearing-care options. These may include:
- Professionally fitted prescription hearing aids
- Hearing-aid programming based on your evaluation
- Technology that supports speech understanding
- Sound options that may make tinnitus less noticeable
- Referrals for medical or specialized audiologic care
Learn more about prescription hearing aids and our adult ear health services.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ototoxicity
Can medication cause hearing loss or tinnitus?
Certain medications can damage the inner ear in some individuals, potentially causing hearing loss, tinnitus or balance problems. The risk varies by medication, dosage, treatment duration and individual health factors.
Should I stop taking a medication if my hearing changes?
Do not stop or change prescribed medication on your own. Contact the healthcare professional who prescribed it and report your symptoms promptly. That provider can evaluate the medical risks and benefits of your treatment.
Can hearing return after ototoxicity?
Some medication-related hearing changes are temporary, while others may be permanent. Your medical provider can address the medication or underlying condition, and hearing testing can help document the extent of the change.
Can a hearing test diagnose ototoxicity?
A hearing test can identify and document hearing changes, but it may not establish their medical cause. Your results, medication history and symptoms may indicate that additional evaluation by a physician or audiologist is appropriate.
Can hearing aids help with ototoxic hearing loss?
Hearing aids may help when permanent hearing loss affects communication or speech understanding. The recommendation should be based on a comprehensive hearing evaluation and your individual listening needs.
Schedule an Adult Hearing Evaluation in Montrose, CO
If you have noticed hearing changes during or after medical treatment, speak with the healthcare professional managing your care. Colorado Hearing can evaluate your hearing, document your current hearing levels and explain appropriate hearing-care options.
Call 970-318-2010 or contact our team online to schedule your visit.