Pain-relieving Medicines Linked to Hearing Loss in Women - Shohet Ear Doctor

A new study scheduled to publish in the September 15, 2012 issue of the American Journal of
Epidemiology is
reporting a higher risk of hearing loss in female participants who took
ibuprofen or acetaminophen two or more days per week. The study also showed
that the more often a woman took either of these medications, the higher her
risk for hearing loss, and it appears to be greater in women younger than 50
years old, especially for those who took ibuprofen six or more days per week.

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital prospectively examined the
relationship between frequency of aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen use and
risk of hearing loss among women in the Nurses' Health Study II. It included
data from 62,261 women ages 31 to 48 years at baseline. The women were followed
for 14 years, from 1995 to 2009. Ten thousand and twelve women self-reported
hearing loss.

Compared with women who used ibuprofen less than once per week, those who
used ibuprofen 2 to 3 days per week had a 13 percent increased risk for hearing
loss, while women who used the medication 4 to 5 days per week had a 21 percent
increased risk. For those who used ibuprofen six or more days per week, the
increased risk was 24 percent.

Compared with women who used acetaminophen less than once per week, women
who used acetaminophen 2 to 3 days per week had an 11 percent increased risk
for hearing loss, while women taking the medicine 4 to 5 days per week had a 21
percent increased risk. There was no association between aspirin use and hearing loss.

While the reasons for increased risk are unclear, the researchers theorized
NSAIDs in these analgesics may reduce blood flow to the cochlea and impair its
function. Another theory is that acetaminophen may deplete factors that protect
the cochlea from damage.

Over the counter analgesics are widely available without a prescription, but
they are still medicines that carry potentialside effects.
If women feel the need to take these medications, on a regular basis, that may
want consult their health careprofessional to discuss the risks and benefits,
especially if they have other risk factors for hearing loss.