Medications and Your Hearing: 4 Essential Questions to Ask Your Prescriber

Medications and Your Hearing: 4 Essential Questions to Ask Your Prescriber

Many of us take medication daily. From managing blood pressure and pain to simply staying in optimal health, for most people these medicines are perfectly safe and effective. If you already have hearing loss, it’s especially important to know how your prescriptions might interact with your hearing health. 

Asking a few simple, proactive questions can help you and your prescriber to work together to protect your hearing while still getting the benefits of your treatment. In this helpful blog, we’ll outline four essential questions to ask your prescriber at your next appointment so you feel informed, confident and in control of your hearing health.

“Could This Medicine Affect My Hearing Or Balance?”

Some medications are known as ototoxic, meaning they can affect the delicate structures of the inner ear.¹ This doesn’t mean they are unsafe; in fact, many are essential for treating serious conditions. However, for those already experiencing hearing loss, knowing whether a medicine carries this potential side effect allows you and your prescriber to stay alert.²

Never stop taking any medication without speaking to your doctor first, however by asking this question your healthcare team can choose the safest options for you. They may also set up simple monitoring systems to catch any changes to your hearing early.

“What Is My Personal Risk?”

Everyone’s hearing and health history are different. Age, genetics, existing hearing loss, other medical conditions, and how multiple medications interact can all influence how your body responds.³ By asking about your own personal risk, your prescriber can tailor their advice. They’ll be able to weigh up the benefits of your treatment while minimising any impact on your hearing. 

“What Signs Should I Watch For, And What Should I Do If I Notice Them?”

If a medicine does have the potential to affect your hearing, it’s important to know what to look out for. The most common early signs include:

• Tinnitus, which sounds like a ringing or buzzing in the ears.⁴ 
• Difficulty following conversations, particularly in noisy places.
• Feeling like sounds are muffled or distant. 
• Dizziness, imbalance, or a sensation of pressure in the ears. 

Being aware of these signs means you can act quickly by contacting your doctor or booking a hearing check at the first sign of changes to your hearing. Early intervention can make all the difference.

“Can We Monitor My Hearing With A Baseline Test?”

A simple hearing check before starting, or while taking, a new medication gives you a clear baseline of your hearing health.⁵ It also means that should you notice any changes, your hearing care professional can compare results and identify what impact that may have to your hearing early on.

Whether you’re starting a new prescription or just want a routine hearing check, book an appointment at your local Connect Hearing clinic today. Our friendly team of experts will assess your hearing, alleviate any concerns, and help you feel confident in your overall wellbeing.

Regular monitoring can give you peace of mind, but it also ensures that your prescriber and hearing care team work together to protect your hearing health for the long term. Medications play a vital role in helping us live longer, well-supported lives. By asking the four questions outlined above, you’ll take a proactive step towards protecting your hearing and overall wellbeing. 

References:

1. Audiology Information Series (n.d.), Ototoxic Medications (Medication Effects), American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, accessed 28 October 2025. 
2. Cleveland Clinic (22 February 2023), Ototoxicity, Cleveland Clinic, accessed 28 October 2025. 
3. World Health Organisation (26 February 2025), Deafness and hearing loss, www.who.int, accessed 28 October 2025. 
4. Healthline (6 May 2022), Types of Medication That Can Cause Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears), Healthline, accessed 28 October 2025. 
5. Johns Hopkins Medicine (n.d.), Baseline Hearing Test, www.hopkinsmedicine.org, accessed 28 October 2025.