Yahoo Lifestyle Painkillers Linked to Hearing Loss in Women
New research from Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) has found women who took household painkillers including ibuprofen and paracetamol two or more days per week had an increased risk of hearing loss.
The study also suggests that the risk is even higher for women younger than 50 years old, especially those who take ibuprofen six or more days a week.
There was no link found between aspirin use and hearing loss.
The researchers examined data from 62,261 women aged between 31 to 48 years for a period of 14 years – from 1995 to 2009. By the end of the study, ten thousand and twelve women self-reported hearing loss.
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"Possible mechanisms might be that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may reduce blood flow to the cochlea - the hearing organ - and impair its function," said first study author Sharon G. Curhan, MD, BWH Channing Division of Network Medicine. "Acetaminophen [paracetamol] may deplete factors that protect the cochlea from damage."
"If individuals find a need to take these types of medications regularly, they should consult with their health care professional to discuss the risks and benefits and to explore other possible alternatives."
