While past studies have largely focused on men with hearing loss related to taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, a more recent study concerns women with the same problem. According to a large Harvard study involving middle-aged female nurses, those taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen on a regular basis experienced a 20 percent higher risk of hearing loss. Curiously, the study did not show that aspirin produced the same effect even though it is the only OTC pain reliever to carry a warning of potential hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears) on its label. Hearing loss that does not go away after pain-reliever use is discontinued or lessened may be an ongoing problem that merits examination.
With hearing loss being the third most occurring chronic condition facing adults in Canada, it’s important to remain educated and proactive in hearing health. If you believe you have a hearing loss, please call EAR & HEARING CLINIC. As registered members of the College of Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists of Ontario, we are among the highest qualified regulated hearing health professionals in Canada. “Hear the Sound of Life.”
