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Hearing loss is something many of us experience as we get older. Although losing your hearing can be a frustrating experience, it is typically due to natural causes. But sometimes, the medication we take to treat or prevent an ailment is the very thing that diminishes our ability to hear. Below is a list of common medications associated with hearing loss, some of which may be shocking.
If you suffered hearing loss after taking an over-the-counter or prescribed medication, you may be entitled to compensation. To learn more about your legal options, speak with the Houston personal injury lawyers at Bailey Cowan Heckaman, PLLC. Call today to schedule a free consultation at (888) 367-7160.
While antibiotics help us fight off infection, several widely used antibiotics have been linked to hearing loss. These include macrolide antibiotics, such as azithromycin (Zithromax,) clarithromycin, and erythromycin, as well as aminoglycoside antibiotics, such as tobramycin, and gentamicin. Another antibiotic, ancomycin, has also been found to cause hearing loss. Though the exact reason is unclear, these antibiotics can cause direct damage to the inner structure of the ear, especially when taken in high doses.
Aspirin, Tylenol, and NSAIDs, such as Advil and Motrin can cause hearing loss when taken on a regular basis or in a high amount. Aspirin taken in high doses (6-8 grams in a 24-hour period) is known to cause hearing loss, though the effects are usually temporary.
While OxyContin and other opioids are effective at treating moderate to severe pain, healthcare providers typically limit their use to cases involving severe pain due to the high risk of dependence and/or abuse. To limit the risk of hearing loss when using these medications, be sure to take them exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
PDE5 inhibitors, such as Viagra, are widely used to treat erectile dysfunction. While most studies have found hearing loss to be primarily linked to Viagra, there have been cases of hearing loss from other PDE5 inhibitors, such as Cialis, avanafil, and vardenafil.
Used in the treatment of fluid overload conditions, such as heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disease, Lasix and other loop diuretics have been linked to hearing loss. Commonly referred to as “water pills,” loop diuretics are known to cause changes to the cochlea, the inner ear structure that turns sounds and vibrations into electrical signals that are then sent to the brain. Though the loss of hearing is usually temporary, on rare occasions, the damage can be permanent.
Used to treat many forms of cancer, platinum-based chemotherapy medications such as Eloxatin, cisplatin, and carboplatin have also been linked to hearing loss. As the dose increases, so does the likelihood of hearing loss, so it is important that your doctor considers the dose when developing your treatment plan.
Tepezza® is the first and only FDA-approved treatment for the rare autoimmune disorder known as “Thyroid Eye Disease,” also referred to as “Graves’ Disease.” Tepezza® is administered to patients via a series of IV infusions to treat the symptoms commonly associated with TED, including blurred vision, eye pain, and bulging eyes. While Horizon Therapeutics, the manufacturer of the drug, warned a small percentage of patients might experience temporary hearing loss, the side effect has been found to be not only more widespread but also, in many cases, permanent, which has resulted in a series of Tepezza® lawsuits.
Hearing loss can be a fact of life, but in some cases, deafness can be caused by medication. If you or someone you love has experienced hearing loss after taking Tepezza® or any other medication, you may be able to recover damages.
At Bailey Cowan Heckaman, PLLC, we fight tirelessly to obtain justice on behalf of victims of negligence. Our personal injury attorneys in Houston handle all legal matters on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will pay no fees unless we win your case. To get started, contact our office online or call (888) 367-7160 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
