[sidebar]“Compared with women who took these pain relievers less than once a week, women who took ibuprofen 2 or more days per week had a 13 to 24% greater risk of hearing loss, and those who took acetaminophen that often had an 11 to 21% greater risk,” says Sharon Curhan, MD, lead author of the Brigham and Women’s Hospital study. The likely explanation? These drugs damage the cochlea, the spiral-shaped structure in the inner ear that is essential for hearing. Ibuprofen seems to reduce blood flow to the cochlea (just as it reduces blood flow elsewhere in the body to ease pain and inflammation), while acetaminophen depletes the antioxidants that protect against oxidative damage, says Dr. Curhan. “Avoid damage by using the lowest possible dose for the shortest duration,” she says. “If you regularly take these medications, work with your doctor to get a firm diagnosis of what’s causing your pain.” Then the two of you can talk about options such as acupuncture or physical therapy that may help reduce or eliminate your need for painkillers. For more information on drug-free pain treatments, visit the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine’s website: nccam.nih.gov/health/pain.
