Long-term use of over-the-counter pain relievers may increase the risk for hearing loss. According to a study recently published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, researchers followed over 55,000 women for six years. Those who took ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), or acetaminophen (Tylenol) two or more times per week for more than a year were more likely to develop hearing loss. The researchers found no association of hearing loss with the long-term use of aspirin.
Comments: When taking a systemic medication (drugs that work throughout the body), there is always the risk of systemic side effects such as hearing loss. In a recent health blog, I talked about a new option for pain relief that avoids systemic side effects: Click here.
