Medicines that can affect your hearing (ototoxicity)
A small number of medicines can damage the inner ear, causing hearing loss, tinnitus or balance problems. Often the benefit of the medicine far outweighs the risk, and some effects are temporary. Never stop a prescribed medicine without talking to your doctor.
When a medicine affects the ear.
Ototoxic means harmful to the ear. Some medicines can affect the hair cells of the cochlea, which handle hearing, or the balance organs of the inner ear. The effect depends on the medicine, the dose, how long it is taken, how well your kidneys clear it, and your own sensitivity.
Effects usually begin in the high pitches, which you may not notice at first. Tinnitus is often the earliest sign. Some effects, such as tinnitus from high-dose aspirin, usually wear off when the dose is reduced. Others, such as damage from certain chemotherapy drugs, can be permanent.
Many of these medicines treat serious conditions. If you notice changes, talk to your doctor or pharmacist first.
If you are starting a medicine known to affect hearing, a test beforehand makes changes easier to spot.
Signs to look out for.
If you are taking a medicine and notice any of these, tell your doctor.
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before changing anything. A hearing test can measure any change, and we will write to your GP with the results.
Medicines most often linked to hearing changes.
This is not a complete list. Your pharmacist can check any medicine for you.
Aminoglycosides such as gentamicin, usually given in hospital for serious infections. Levels are monitored closely.
Platinum-based drugs such as cisplatin. Hospitals often monitor hearing during treatment.
Such as furosemide, mainly at high doses given into a vein.
Can cause tinnitus and temporary hearing changes at high doses. Usually reversible.
Including some antimalarials. Can cause tinnitus and hearing changes.
A small number of other drugs list tinnitus or hearing changes as possible side effects. Check the patient leaflet or ask your pharmacist.
Measuring, monitoring and supporting your hearing.
A full test before you start a medicine gives you and your doctor a clear starting point.
Repeat tests show whether your hearing is changing, often before you notice it yourself.
If we find a change, we send the results to your GP, so they can review your medicines.
If a change is permanent, hearing aids and tinnitus management can make a real difference.
Contact your doctor promptly if
- You notice sudden hearing loss while taking a medicine
- You develop severe dizziness or unsteadiness
- You are receiving a medicine in hospital and notice new ringing or hearing changes
Sudden hearing loss needs medical care the same day. Do not stop any prescribed medicine without advice.
Frequently asked questions.
Some can, particularly certain chemotherapy drugs and antibiotics given in hospital. Others, such as high-dose aspirin, usually cause temporary effects.
No, not without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first. They can review the dose, timing or an alternative.
At normal doses, occasional use is not usually a problem. Very high doses or long-term regular use of aspirin and anti-inflammatories have been linked to tinnitus and hearing changes.
For some treatments, such as cisplatin, hospitals often arrange hearing tests. Ask your treatment team if you are not sure.
Yes. A baseline hearing test is free in our Birmingham clinic, or £50 at home.
Get a baseline test.
Free in our Birmingham clinic, or £50 at home, with results explained the same day.
TinnitusSudden hearing lossHigh-frequency hearing lossSensorineural hearing lossHearing tests
Written and clinically reviewed by our HCPC registered audiologists. Last reviewed: 15 October 2026. This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you are worried about your hearing or your ears, book an appointment or speak to your GP.