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| How often have you questioned, "If I take this medication, will I lose my hearing?" Probably never! Usually when we are taking a medication it is necessary and prescribed by a trusted physician, but did you know that regardless of the benefits of some medications, even widely-used medications, are actually ototoxic and poisonous to the ear and sense of hearing?
This month, Dr. Taylor Woznak from our Loveland clinic will teach you what you need to know about Ototoxicity, how you can avoid it, and what you can do if you happen to be affected.
At HHCC we
believe the more tools you have in your toolbox the more informed decisions you can make about your health.
To learn more or to schedule your appointment with one of our audiologists please call 303-558-5811 or visit our website at www.HearingHealthCareCenters.com
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To your best hearing,
Dr. Whitney Swander
Owner, Doctor of Audiology
P.S. Find this and all of our prior articles on our website at:
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What is Ototoxicity
Dr. Taylor Woznak CCC - AuD
& co-author
Jamie Goitia SLP
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As
any other health professional would say, “Watch what you put into your body!”
These days, we tend to think more about the foods and drinks we consume daily, but rarely do we consider the ramifications of some of the medications and supplements we ingest to improve our health!
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| What’s more, when we are instructed by our physicians to take a medication, rarely do we question whether or not there are consequences to taking it. Usually, we blindly take what has been prescribed
without blinking an eye.
But, did you know there are many known medications that can be toxic to our ears? This is called ototoxicity and it can actually affect individuals of all ages!
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When we are instructed by our physicians to take a medication, rarely do we question whether or not there are consequences to taking it.
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What Exactly is Ototoxicity?
Simply, ototoxicity is the poisoning of the ear as a result of taking prescription/over-the-counter medications or the environmental exposure to a chemical. The effects may be temporary or permanent; however, it results in cellular damage to the inner ear, cochlea, and/or balance system.
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| What are the
Symptoms?
Symptoms of ototoxicity vary by individual and are dependent on the amount of exposure to the drug or chemical. As previously stated, damage to the hearing organs could result in permanent or temporary hearing loss ranging from mild to profound in severity.
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Ototoxicity is the poisoning of the ear as a result of
taking prescription/over-the-counter medications or the environmental exposure to a chemical.
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Often, the vestibular center, or the area of your ears that control your balance, is impacted.
Due to the complexity of this anatomical structure, symptoms of ototoxicity vary and include, but aren’t limited to:
-Nausea
-Dizziness
-Imbalance
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What Medications Should be Monitored?
There are multiple ototoxic drugs that are being utilized clinically. Before starting any prescription drug it is important to familiarize yourself with the possible side effects, especially if it can impact hearing and balance. You may need to collaborate with your primary care provider in order to weigh the pro’s and con’s of starting these medications.
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Symptoms of ototoxicity include, but aren’t limited to:
-Blurry Vision
-Nausea
-Dizziness
-Imbalance
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| Alternatively, they may guide you to a different
medication or treatment which can provide you with the
benefits of the medicine you require without side effect of damaging your hearing organs.
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Common Ototoxic Medications Include but aren’t Limited to:
- Aminoglycoside antibiotics and macrolide antibiotics
- Salicylates (i.e., Aspirin)
- Chemotherapy (i.e., Cisplatin, Carboplatin)
- Loop diuretics
- Antimalarials
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Quinine
- Acetaminophen (i.e., Tylenol)
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What Chemicals are Ototoxic?
Chemicals in our daily environment could also lead to inner ear damage. Ingesting or inhaling chemicals such as carbon monoxide, lead, and mercury in high doses could be ototoxic.
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Why See an Audiologist for Ototoxic Monitoring?
Audiologists are licensed and certified to diagnose, treat, and monitor hearing loss and balance disorders. Audiologists are part of a team of professionals and work alongside physicians to provide collaborative healthcare to patients. Audiological protocols are put in place to identify and observe ototoxicity effects. If you believe you have been exposed to any ototoxic agents, please consult your primary care physician, and schedule an appointment with one of our audiologists!
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References:
Frisina RD et al. 2016. Comprehensive audiometric analysis of hearing impairment and tinnitus after cisplatin-based chemotherapy survivors of adult-onset cancer. J Clin Oncol 34(23): 2712-2720.
Joo Y, Cruickshanks KJ, Klein BEK, Klein R, Hong O, Wallhagen M. Prevalence of ototoxic medication use among older adults
in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. J Am Assoc Nurse Pract. 2018 Jan;30(1):27-34. doi: 10.1097/JXX.0000000000000011. PMID: 29757919; PMCID: PMC6044447.
Joo Y, Cruickshanks KJ, Klein BEK, Klein R, Hong O, Wallhagen MI. The Contribution of Ototoxic Medications to Hearing Loss Among Older Adults. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2020 Feb 14;75(3):561-566. doi: 10.1093/gerona/glz166. PMID: 31282945; PMCID: PMC7328195.
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From the audiologists at Hearing HealthCare Centers, we thank you for your support and trust.
We are
proud to serve the front range community!
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We want to HEAR from YOU!!
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Leave us a review or ask a question and see it in our next newsletter!
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PATIENT REVIEWS
" The care and concern was phenomenal! Very pleasant experience. Everyone is so kind.
Dr. Brennen Karl (Englewood) is very professional and knowledgeable. Thank you. "
M.L.
" My first appointment with Dr Taylor Woznak at the Hearing Health Care Center in Loveland really put a Smile on my face. It was a pleasant time with her sharing and giving her knowledge and know-how, to save or rescue our treasured Gift of Hearing...I left Her office with a big smile with thanks to her amazing support in the office and for "putting up with me".
M.M
"I received the BEST service one could ask for... I am ever so grateful for service that truly meets the patients' needs. Thank you, Hearing HealthCare Centers. I recommend them to anyone and everyone!"
J.C.
" As always
this is a great experience. They are always very thorough and check my ears for obstruction and check each aid to be sure they are working. if anyone is having trouble hearing, this is the Doctors to see."
R.B.
" I always look forward to my appointments at the Longmont office because of the outstanding staff. They are friendly, knowledgeable, professional and available to answer any questions I might have over the phone."
J.D.
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(303) 464-8440
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(719) 591-2463
(303) 777-9720
(970) 221-5011
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(303) 776-8748
(970) 593-1509
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Hearing HealthCare Centers - Boulder, 4800 Baseline Road #E-108, Boulder, CO 80303, United States
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