There are so many moments when anti-inflammatory and over the counter painkillers are a life saver. From headaches, to muscles aches, from fever reducers, soar joint relief so you can sleep with peace, over the counter painkillers are part of modern convivence that many of us could dream of living without. They come in so many recognizable names and types such as Motrin (ibuprofen) Tylenol (Acetaminophen), Aspirin or Aleve (naproxen). However, as with anything, these medications must be taken with some degree of caution, as they do have their side effects.
If you are recovering from a surgery or for someone who has immediate and severe pain, these drugs can provide essential relief for a short time. However, for those with chronic pain issues, such a arthritis, ongoing pain from injuries, or chronic headaches, the habit of taking these over the counter medications can cause issues with the stomach, kidneys, liver and more, depending on the type. In fact, a recent study uncovered an unexpected side effect of long-term habitual use of over-the-counter painkillers – hearing loss!
A Study on the Long-term Effects of Over-the-Counter Painkillers
A 2012 from the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Vanderbilt University, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, examined the long-term effects on hearing on a group of cis women. The Study, which was published in the American Journal of Epidemiology accessed data from a large cohort of 55,850 women aged 44 to 69. These women were surveyed about their painkiller use every two years, and cross referenced the answers with results of hearing exams. The researchers acknowledge that there are several factors to consider which can affect hearing such as age, ethnic origin, body mass index (BMI), alcohol consumption and smoking, intake of micronutrients in the diet that are linked to hearing, physical activity, and the conditions diabetes, hypertension and tinnitus. However, by controlling for these factors, they were able to compare people who were quite similar in all regards except the regular use of paracetamol and ibuprofen. The researchers were able to identify that even the use of these medications, twice a week for one year was sufficient to see a higher rate of hearing loss among that group.
The Findings:
While the researchers did not observe a significant impact to hearing for those who regularly took aspirin, it turns out that Ibuprofen and acetaminophen, do result in higher rates. The researchers found that roughly 1 out of every 20 cases of women’s hearing loss, about 5.5 percent, might be due to the use of paracetamol and ibuprofen.
Painkillers and the Body
What is the reason that these mediations have such a strong effect on hearing, While researchers are still searching for conclusive results, the theory lies on how ibuprofen and acetaminophen affect the flow of blood in the body. These painkillers effectively reduce inflammation in tissue and block pain receptors to reduce pain. Researchers suspect that these over-the-counter painkillers also can harm the protective tissues that coat the ear canal and inner ear. It may also limit blood supply, to certain parts of the body – including the very fragile cells which transmit sound to the brain, within the inner ear.
How We Hear
While we collect sound with our ears, the sound must reach our brain in order to make sense of speech and identify sound. It achieves this via tiny hair-like cells called stereocilia. These cells are the sole delivery system of audio information to the brain. When they don’t receive and ample amount of oxygenated blood, they are more prone to damage and even destruction—inhibiting audio information to the brain and causing permanent hearing loss.
Addressing Hearing Loss
Hearing loss should be taken seriously as it can affect how we communicate, the quality of our relationships, our success in the workplace, our mental health, cognitive health and sense of independence. If you find yourself taking paracetamol or ibuprofen two times a week or more, be aware that you could be putting your hearing at risk.
If you do suspect that you have some degree of hearing loss, don’t let it go unaddressed. Schedule an appointment with us. We can help you find solutions to address your hearing loss and help you enjoy your life for years to come.