Long-term, Regular Painkiller Use May Lead to Hearing Loss in Women

​A recent study found regular use (defined as two days or more per week) of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and acetaminophen for six years or more is associated with an increased risk of hearing loss in women, and the magnitude of the risk heightens with increasing frequency of use (Am J Epidemiol. 2016. [Epub ahead of print]). Researchers from the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Vanderbilt University, and Brigham and Women's Hospital examined data from 55,850 women, 33 percent (18,663) of whom reported some level of hearing loss. More specifically, ibuprofen and paracetamol, but not aspirin, are linked to hearing loss in this study.

 

It is important to note that this cohort study did not establish a causal relationship between long-term analgesic use and hearing loss. An article in response to the research in PubMed Health's Behind the Headlines added that hearing loss in this study was self-reported and subject to diagnostic uncertainty. However, this study does serve as a reminder that regular use of analgesics could have health consequences over time. 

Published: 12/23/2016 9:51:00 AM

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