Story perspectives

Common Medications Linked to Hearing Loss and Tinnitus

11/10/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Many medications—antibiotics, heart medicines, chemotherapy drugs, and painkillers—can cause ototoxicity and lead to hearing loss or tinnitus.
Frequent use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and paracetamol links to nearly 20% higher tinnitus risk, especially in women.
Loop diuretics and cisplatin pose significant risks, with up to 60% of cisplatin patients experiencing hearing loss.
Ototoxic effects may be temporary or permanent, depending on the drug, dosage, and individual susceptibility.

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Story summary

Many medications—antibiotics, heart medicines, chemotherapy drugs, and painkillers—can cause ototoxicity and lead to hearing loss or tinnitus.
Frequent use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and paracetamol links to nearly 20% higher tinnitus risk, especially in women.
Loop diuretics and cisplatin pose significant risks, with up to 60% of cisplatin patients experiencing hearing loss.
Ototoxic effects may be temporary or permanent, depending on the drug, dosage, and individual susceptibility.