Jump to content

  • Set Your Location
  • Sign in or Enroll
Set Your LocationKahi Mohala
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Open I want to choose my medical group or hospital
    • Clear my location
Change Location
Sutter Health
  • Video Visits
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Treatments & Services
    • Video Visits
    • Find Doctors
    • Find Locations
    • Treatments & Services
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Pay a Bill
    • Symptom Checker
    • Get Care Today
    • Health & Wellness
    • Classes & Events
    • Research & Clinical Trials
    • For Patients
    • About Sutter Health
    • Giving
    • Volunteering
    • Careers
    • News
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Other Business Services
Close Search
  • Home
  • Kāhi Mōhala
  • Ask an Expert
  • Hearing Loss and NSAID Use
Content

Ask An Expert

Hearing Loss and NSAID Use

Ask the Expert Team

Ask the Expert Team

Sutter Health

Question:

I take ibuprofen daily for back problems, but I read recently that sometimes it can cause hearing loss. Is this true, and how much would you need to take to cause this to happen?

Answer:

I read several studies that seem to link increased risk of hearing loss to use of NSAIDS (ibuprofen is an NSAID). It is important to understand that there is an increase RISK of hearing loss in both women and men with regular use of ibuprofen, and there is a link between how much is taken (number of days per week it is used; not much said about the dosages though) and the increase in RISK of hearing loss.

Some reports are citing an 11 to 24 percent increase in risk for hearing loss with regular usage of NSAID pain medications. Without having long-term studies on individuals who are showing hearing loss, it is hard to decipher whether the hearing loss is from the ibuprofen or from other factors such as family history or noise exposures. I would err on the side of caution, however, and consider the risks very real, and I would discuss alternative medicines for pain with your physician or practitioner.

Related Questions

Question
  • Treating Swimmer's Ear
    What is "swimmer's ear" and what is the best way to deal with it?
  • Symptoms of Meniere's Disease
    I have been diagnosed with Meniere's Disease. I have always had ringing in my left ear. Recently I have noted a thumping sound in my left ear. Is this another symptom of Meniere's Disease?
  • Tickling in Ear Canal
    For the past three months, I've had a constant and irritating tickle in my inner ear. It even wakes me up at night. I've used ear rinses and had my primary care doctor examine it, but she could not find anything. Any suggestions?
  • Hearing Tests for Children
    My 10-year-old daughter is having trouble with comprehension and focus in school. Do you think that her hearing should be tested?
  • Loud Music and Hearing Loss
    I use ear buds with my MP3 player and wondered what volume of sound is safe. Can loud music cause hearing loss?

Back to Disease Prevention

The Sutter Health Network of Care
Expertise to fit your needs
Primary Care

Check-ups, screenings and sick visits for adults and children.

Specialty Care

Expertise and advanced technologies in all areas of medicine.

Emergency Care

For serious accidents, injuries and conditions that require immediate medical care.

Urgent Care

After-hours, weekend and holiday services.

Walk-In Care

Convenient walk-in care clinics for your non-urgent health needs.

  • Contact Us
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Request Medical Records
  • Make a Gift
Sign in to My Health Online

Billing and Insurance

  • Pay a Bill
  • Accepted Health Plans
  • Estimate Costs
  • Medicare Advantage

About Sutter

  • About Our Network
  • Community Benefit
  • Annual Report
  • News

Our Team

  • For Employees
  • For Medical Professionals
  • For Vendors
  • For Volunteers

Careers

  • Jobs at Sutter
  • Physician Jobs
  • Graduate Medical Education

Copyright © 2023 Sutter Health. All rights reserved. Sutter Health is a registered trademark of Sutter Health ®, Reg. U.S. Patent & Trademark office.

  • ADA Accessibility
  • Privacy
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information
  • LinkedIn Opens new window
  • YouTube Opens new window
  • Facebook Opens new window
  • Twitter Opens new window
  • Instagram Opens new window
  • Glassdoor Opens new window

Cookie Policy

We use cookies to give you the best possible user experience. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences

Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences