A study report published by MedicalXpress shows that frequent use of Over-The-Counter Analgesics are associated with risk of Tinnitus. Tinnitus is the name given for hearing noises that are not caused by sound coming from the outside world. It is common and not a serious situation.
A report published by Brigham and Women’s Hospital at MedicalXpress dated 9th Feb 2022 mentions about the risks associated with Over-The-Counter (OTC) Analgesics. OTC Analgesics include Aspirin, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) and Acetaminophen which are available without prescription and generally believed to be safe. Frequent use and exceeding a recommended dose when taking Cold and Sinus medications containing these Analgesics can potentially cause harm, as per the report.
The report says that very high doses of Aspirin can lead to reversible Tinnitus. But the investigators at Brigham and Women’s Hospital are doing research on whether it can lead to risk of developing chronic persistent Tinnitus. “Our findings suggest that analgesic users may be at higher risk for developing tinnitus and may provide insight into the precipitants of this challenging disorder” – says the lead author Sharon Curhan, MD, ScM, of the Brigham’s Channing Division of Network Medicine.
Read the report published by MedicalXpress.com here
Check if you have tinnitus
Tinnitus can sound like:
- Ringing
- Buzzing
- Whooshing
- Humming
- Hissing
- Throbbing
- Music or Singing
You may hear these sounds in one or both ears, or in your head. They may come and go, or you might hear them all the time.
