Some medicines help treat health problems, but they can also cause side effects. Some of these side effects may affect your ears. You might experience hearing loss or ringing in your ears. Audiologists are experts who help people with hearing and balance problems. They can also help manage side effects caused by medicine. Let’s take a closer look at how medication can affect your ears and how audiologists can help you.
How Medicine Affects Your Ears
Hearing Loss
Certain medicines can damage your hearing. These are called ototoxic medicines. They can hurt the inner ear, which is responsible for both hearing and balance. Common examples include some antibiotics, cancer drugs, and high doses of aspirin. Hearing loss from these medicines may be temporary, but it can also be permanent. If you notice a change in your hearing while taking medicine, you should visit an audiologist quickly. Getting help early can make a big difference in preventing long-term problems.
Ringing in the Ears (Tinnitus)
Some medications can cause a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in your ears. This condition is called tinnitus. Medicines like aspirin, water pills (diuretics), and certain antibiotics can cause this issue. Tinnitus can be annoying and make it hard to focus or sleep. Audiologists can check your hearing and help you find ways to manage the ringing. They can suggest treatments to make the tinnitus less noticeable and easier to live with.
How Audiologists Help
Testing Your Hearing
Audiologists can check your hearing through special tests. These tests help find early signs of hearing loss. It’s important to get regular hearing tests if you are taking medicine that might harm your hearing. These tests can catch problems early, allowing you to take steps to prevent more damage. The audiologist will explain the results of the test and guide you on what to do next.
Helping with Hearing Loss
If a medication causes hearing loss, audiologists can provide solutions. One common solution is hearing aids. Hearing aids are small devices that make sounds louder, helping you hear better in conversations or noisy places. Audiologists will help you pick the right hearing aids based on your needs and preferences. They will also show you how to use and take care of them so you get the most benefit from the device.
Managing Tinnitus
Audiologists can also help with managing tinnitus. While there is no cure for tinnitus, there are ways to make it better. One option is sound therapy. This involves listening to calming sounds that mask the ringing or buzzing in your ears. Audiologists can also provide tips for daily habits that may help reduce tinnitus, such as reducing stress, staying active, and avoiding loud noises.
Protecting Your Hearing While Taking Medicine
Talk to Your Doctor
If you are concerned that your medication is affecting your hearing, you should talk to your doctor. Your doctor may be able to recommend a different medication that has fewer risks to your hearing. However, never stop or change your medication without consulting your doctor first. Your doctor and audiologist can work together to find the best solution for your health and hearing.
Get Regular Hearing Tests
If you are taking medications that are known to cause hearing problems, it is smart to have regular hearing tests with an audiologist. These tests can track any changes in your hearing and help catch problems early. This way, your audiologist can suggest steps to protect your hearing before the problem gets worse.
Watch for Warning Signs
It is important to pay attention to early warning signs. If you notice ringing in your ears, trouble hearing conversations, or any other hearing problems, see an audiologist as soon as possible. The sooner you get help, the better your chances are of preventing further damage. Quick action can make a big difference in managing side effects from medicine.
Audiology and Speech Solutions Can Help
If you are worried that medicine might be affecting your hearing, Audiology and Speech Solutions in Rye, NY, is here to help. Their expert audiologists will test your hearing and provide advice on managing side effects. Whether you need help with hearing loss, tinnitus, or other hearing concerns, they are here to support you every step of the way. Their team is dedicated to helping you maintain healthy hearing.
Medicines can cause hearing problems, but audiologists can help you manage them. Call Audiology and Speech Solutions in Rye, NY, today to schedule a hearing test and protect your hearing.