If you regularly take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin, you may be at risk for hearing loss. Gaurav Upreti, 45, a bank executive, was going about his business as usual when, in 2016, he developed a minor sickness and began taking painkillers. Also read: What is COVID Ear, and How Can Coronavirus Cause Tinnitus, Vertigo, or Hearing Loss?
He began to have hearing loss the next year, but he was able to manage with multiple hearing devices until 2020, when he developed a permanent hearing loss. Also see: Coronavirus Symptoms: What You Should Know COVID-19’s Second Wave Brings Three New Signs That Shouldn’t Be Ignored
His hearing loss had a significant impact on his ability to communicate, as well as his marriage and work. On the suggestion of specialists, he had bilateral cochlear implantation. Also see Coronavirus: Tinnitus, Vertigo, and Hearing Loss Linked to COVID-19Patients who are born deaf and those who lose their hearing owing to numerous external reasons such as drug-induced hearing loss and infections can benefit from cochlear implant surgery.
“Upreti’s case is a famous illustration of how painkiller use resulted in hearing loss. Excessive drug abuse, painkiller use, patients on dialysis or anti-cancer drugs, and ongoing noise pollution are all high-risk factors for hearing loss if not addressed promptly, according to Sumit Mrig, Principal Consultant and Head ENT, Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital, who performed the surgery.
“Sometimes, individuals reach a point when hearing aids are no longer effective, and cochlear implants are the only option.” The advice is to avoid over-the-counter pain medicines, which can lead to hearing loss,” he added.
