Over the Counter Painkillers Can Contribute to Hearing Loss in Younger Men
A study published in the New England Journal of medicine points to the possibility that over the counter drugs may lead to hearing loss. Now at this point it is nothing to be alarmed about because first of all the study was small and of course there would have to be much more research to make any claims.
However, in that study what was found was that men younger than 50 who had been taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) more than twice a week doubled (99 percent) their chances of hearing loss over men who did not take acetaminophen.
The men younger than 50 who took ibuprofen (Advil) more than twice a week had a 61 percent more of a chance of sustaining hearing loss. The same held true for other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID).
Men younger than 50 who took acetylsalicylic acid more than twice a week showed the least risk of hearing loss, but nevertheless that was about a third (33 percent) more than the cohort who did not take ASA.
This data came from the Health Professionals' Follow-Up Study of 27,000 men followed since 1986. The men in the study were between 40 and 74 and they provided info about hearing loss and any factors, which could contribute to hearing every two years for a period of 18 years.
What was interesting is that the researchers did not see any increase in hearing loss in men over 60.
CTV's medical expert and Montreal McGill Graduate, Dr. Marla Shapiro notes that hearing loss often commences in middle age and the baseline for hearing loss is about one percent every year. An individual who takes painkillers on occasion is probably not going to suffer from hearing loss because of it. What is of concern is the prolonged use of painkillers and its affects on younger men over time.
Dr. Shapiro says it is already known that painkillers can be toxic to hearing; high dosages of ASA can bring hearing loss and ringing in the ears, yet low dosages can even protect hearing.
Dr. Sharon G. Curhan, of the department of medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, and the leader of the research, explains that this research is important. It is a serious health issue and people who take a lot of painkillers for a long period of time should talk with their doctors about it.
Source:
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20100310/hearing_100310/20100310?hub=Health
Published by Carol Roach
Carol Roach holds a masters in counselling psychology. She worked as a therapist at the Douglas Hospital in Montreal before becoming a professional writer.Carol is the author of the book Picking Up The Piece... View profile
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