Medications help people get better and stay healthy. But some medicines can harm your ears. They might cause hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or balance problems. These side effects can make daily life harder.
Audiologists are experts who can help. They work to protect your hearing and manage these issues. Let’s look at how medications affect your ears and how Cary Audiology Associates can support you.
How Medications Affect Hearing and Balance
Some drugs can harm the parts of the ear that control hearing and balance. These medicines are called ear-damaging drugs.
Common Ear-Damaging Drugs
Certain drugs are more likely to harm your ears. These include:
- Antibiotics: Some strong antibiotics, like aminoglycosides, can damage hearing over time.
- Cancer Medicines: Certain chemotherapy drugs may cause hearing loss.
- Painkillers: Large doses of aspirin or ibuprofen can cause ringing in the ears.
- Water Pills (Diuretics): These are used to treat swelling or high blood pressure but can sometimes affect hearing.
Signs of Ear Problems
Watch for these signs if you are taking these medicines:
- Trouble hearing sounds or understanding speech
- Ringing, buzzing, or hissing in your ears (tinnitus)
- Feeling dizzy or unsteady
- A spinning feeling (vertigo)
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor and an audiologist right away.
How Audiologists Help
Audiologists are trained to handle hearing and balance problems. They can find the cause of the problem and offer solutions.
Hearing Tests
Audiologists can:
- Check your hearing: Before starting a new medicine, a hearing test shows your hearing levels now.
- Watch for changes: Follow-up tests catch hearing loss early.
- Offer help: If you lose some hearing, they can recommend hearing aids or other tools.
Help with Tinnitus
If you hear ringing or buzzing in your ears, audiologists can:
- Offer sound therapy to ease the ringing
- Suggest hearing aids with features to mask tinnitus
- Teach ways to relax and cope with the noise
Balance Support
Balance problems caused by medicines can be hard to live with. Audiologists can:
- Test your balance to find the issue
- Create exercises to improve stability
- Help you feel steady again
When to Visit an Audiologist
You should see an audiologist if:
- You are taking medicine that could harm your ears.
- You notice ringing, buzzing, or trouble hearing.
- You feel dizzy or unsteady.
An audiologist can catch problems early and suggest ways to help.
How to Protect Your Ears
If you take medicines that might harm your hearing, here are some tips to keep your ears safe.
1. Talk to Your Doctor
- Ask if the medicine could hurt your ears.
- See if there is a safer option.
- Tell your doctor if you have had ear problems before.
2. Visit an Audiologist
- Get a hearing test before starting the medicine.
- Schedule follow-up tests to check for changes.
3. Avoid Loud Sounds
- Protect your ears by staying away from loud noises.
- Use earplugs or noise-canceling headphones when needed.
4. Watch for Symptoms
- Pay attention to any changes in your hearing or balance.
- Contact your doctor or audiologist if something feels wrong.
Why Choose Cary Audiology Associates?
At Cary Audiology Associates, we help people with hearing and balance problems. We offer:
- Full hearing tests to check for changes
- Tinnitus treatments to reduce ringing in the ears
- Balance testing and therapy to improve stability
- Ongoing care to protect your hearing
We are here to help you every step of the way.
Audiologists in Cary, NC | Cary Audiology Associates
Medicines can cause hearing and balance problems, but you don’t have to face them alone. Audiologists can help you protect your ears and improve your life.
If you are worried about your hearing or balance, call Cary Audiology Associates today. We’re here to help you feel your best.
