Category: Hearing health

According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, there are over 200 known medications and chemicals that are considered 'ototoxic,' meaning they can damage the inner ear and impact hearing. Understanding what drug messes with your hearing is crucial, as some effects can be temporary while others may be permanent, depending on the medication, dosage, and duration of use.

Approximately 15% of American adults, or 37.5 million people, report some trouble hearing [1.6.7]. While no approved medication can reverse this, the search for what drug restores hearing is advancing through innovative research in genetics and cell regeneration.

Approximately 1 in 5 people experience tinnitus, the perception of a ringing or buzzing in the ears where no external source exists. While the term '**tinnitus pills**' is a common point of discussion, there is no single medication specifically approved by the FDA to cure it, making it crucial to understand the potential side effects of the various drugs and supplements people use.

Despite earning a doctoral degree, a doctor of audiology (Au.D.) does not have the legal authority to write prescriptions for medication. The answer to 'Can an audiologist prescribe medication?' is no, but their role in hearing and balance health, including issues related to medication, is nonetheless vital.