Drugs that have hearing loss and tinnitus as side effects.

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 Many drugs cause side effects, including hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing in the ears). In fact, there are currently more than 200 medications linked to hearing loss and balance disorders, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Medically, this is known as ototoxicity. ("Oto" means ear and "toxic" means harmful.) It's also sometimes referred to as drug-induced hearing loss.

Medications linked to hearing loss

The severity of the hearing loss and tinnitus can vary widely, depending on the drug, the dosage, and how long you take it. In general, the risk for ototoxicity increases as the drug accumulates in your body. The hearing loss may be temporary or permanent.

Below are some of the more well-known classes of drugs that are linked to ototoxicity. If you are taking any of these drugs and are experiencing hearing or balance problems, promptly contact your doctor. Do not stop taking your medication without guidance from your physician.

  • Quinine, cholorquine and hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) 

All of these drugs—and some others—are known to cause temporary hearing loss and tinnitus, usually after long-term treatment, according to the American Academy of Audiology. The good news? The impact is usually temporary and subsides when a person stops taking the drug. 
  • Antibiotics including aminoglycosides
  • Pain relievers
  • Diuretics
  • Diabetes drugs.


What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is commonly described as a ringing in the ears, but it also can sound like roaring, clicking, hissing, or buzzing. It may be soft or loud, high pitched or low pitched. You might hear it in either one or both ears. 
Tinnitus also occurs more frequently in patients with Sjögren’s.  In patients with sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus also frequently occurs.  However, even Sjögren’s patients with normal hearing complain of tinnitus.  The reason for this is unknown. 

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