Medications That May Affect Hearing and/or Balance Fact Sheet
August 07, 2008
Some medications, even those prescribed by your doctor, may affect your hearing or balance. Side effects from medications may be related to amount of dosage or from interactions with other medications you are taking, and can vary from individual to individual. Please consult your ENT specialist if you have concerns about the hearing-related side effects (ototoxicity) of medications you are taking.
Cinchona alkaloids
Minimum risk, usually temporary and reversible
Cinchona alkaloids
Minimum risk, usually temporary and reversible
- Quinidine
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Chloroquine
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Quinine (Q-vel®)
Salycilates
Compounds containing Aspirin may cause hearing problems in high doses (20-30 tablets per day) though this is reversible.)
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Acetaminophen
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Aspirin
Anti-inflammatory Agents
Problems seen in patients with sensitivity, symptoms reversible
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Pyrazolones
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Ibuprofen (propionic acids)
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Ascetic acids
Aminoglycosides
Listed in order of toxicity, these drugs are given only by IV/injection, not orally. They can affect either hearing, balance or both.
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Neomycin
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Streptomycin
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Kanamycin
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Amikacin, Gentamicin
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Tobramycin
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Netilmicin
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Rinostamycin
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Dihydrostreptomycin
Pain Medications
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Hydrocodone in combination with acetaminophen
This combination medication is distributed as a prescription painkiller under various names including the brands Vicodin®, Hydrocet®, Lorcet®, Norco® and their generic counterparts. Hearing problems have been seen in individuals who take between 20 –100 tablets per day. This overuse can cause irreversible and total hearing loss.
Antineoplastics
Cancer chemotherapy
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Alpha-Difluoromethylornithine (DFMO®)
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Cis-Platin* (Platinol®)
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Carboplatin*
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Bleomycin
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Vincristine
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Nitrogen Mustard*
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Vinblastine*
Loop Diuretics
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Ethacrynic Acid* (Edecrin®)
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Furosemide* (Lasix®)
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Bumetanide* (Bumex®)
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Torsemide (Dermadex®)
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Acetazolamide
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Mannitol (given only by IV)
