top of page

PATIENT EDUCATION

Some medications can affect your hearing and balance

This is called ototoxicity — when a medicine has a side effect on the inner ear. It is uncommon, it is often temporary, and knowing the signs means you can act early. This page explains what to watch for and what to do, in plain language.

ear-mark.png

What ototoxicity means

Your inner ear does two jobs: it lets you hear, and it helps you keep your balance. A small number of medications can irritate the delicate cells that do this work.

​

When that happens, you might notice ringing in the ears, a change in your hearing, or some dizziness. For many people these effects ease once the medication is stopped or adjusted — which is why it helps to catch them early and talk to your doctor.

How medicine affects the ear.png

Categories of medications to be aware of

These are general categories only. Most people who take them have no hearing problems — and you should never stop a prescribed medicine on your own. Use this simply to know which medicines are worth asking about.

​

Click on the category below for a full list of medications to find out if yours is on the list.

Certain Antibiotics

Some antibiotics — especially those used for serious infections — are among the most well-known causes of drug-induced hearing loss.

Some Cancer Treatments

Certain chemotherapy drugs, particularly platinum-based agents, can cause permanent hearing changes. Knowing the risk helps you and your care team stay ahead of it.

Diuretics (Water Pills)

Loop diuretics are among the most commonly prescribed medications in Canada — and one of the more common causes of reversible hearing changes, especially at higher doses.

High-Dose Pain Relievers & NSAIDs

Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen at high or long-term doses can affect hearing. For most people taking occasional low doses, the risk is minimal — but it's worth knowing.

Antimalarial & Quinine-Based Drugs

This category includes medications used not just for malaria, but for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis — including hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil). Long-term use warrants monitoring.

Other Medications

Antidepressants, antipsychotics, antivirals, antifungals, and some medications for erectile dysfunction have all been associated with hearing changes in the research literature.

​

Warning signs to watch for

Lightheadedness, unsteadiness on your feet, or a spinning feeling.

Dizziness or feeling off-balance

A blocked or pressured feeling, as if your ears need to "pop".

A feeling of fullness in the ears

Ringing or buzzing in the ears

A new or louder ringing, hissing, or buzzing — known as tinnitus.

Sounds seem muffled, or conversation is suddenly harder to follow.

A change in your hearing

What to do if you notice any of these

1

2

3

Keep taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Don't stop on your own — the medicine may be treating something important.

 

Tell the doctor who prescribed it. Let them know what you've noticed. They can review the medicine and decide whether anything should change.

 

Book a hearing assessment with us. A baseline test now, and a check-up if anything changes, helps us track your hearing clearly over time.

When to seek help sooner

If you have sudden hearing loss, severe dizziness, or hearing changes that come on quickly, contact your doctor or a hearing care practitioner right away rather than waiting.

ear-mark_edited_edited_edited_edited_edi
INNISFIL HEARING CENTRE

Concerned about your hearing? Let's take a look together.

We serve adults across Innisfil, Angus, and Thornton. No referral needed — you can book a hearing assessment directly with our hearing care practitioner.

Prefer email? Reach us at info@innisfilhearing.ca

Innisfil_Hearing_Logo_full_transparent.png

This page is general information, not medical advice, and does not replace guidance from your doctor or pharmacist. Always speak with the professional who prescribed your medication before making any changes.

bottom of page