Arthritis is a common condition that causes joint inflammation, pain and stiffness. While the condition is best known for affecting places like the hands, wrists and knees, some research suggests that it may also impact your hearing.
There are two main explanations for the possible connection: direct damage from arthritis and damage caused by the medication used to treat it.
Direct Damage From Arthritis
Some research suggests that the same faulty immune system response that attacks joints like the hands and knees can also attack the delicate structures in the ear.[1] The result of those attacks can include lasting hearing loss, tinnitus and balance issues.
Damage from Arthritis Medication
Some medications used to manage arthritis, like salicylates (to control pain and inflammation), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (to control pain and inflammation) and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (to regulate the immune system), fall under the category of “ototoxic drugs.”
Ototoxic drugs are any medications that can damage the auditory system, leading to hearing loss, tinnitus and balance issues.[2] When taken for a short time, the medications aren’t likely to have a lasting effect, but long-term use can lead to permanent damage.
You can talk to your primary care provider about the possibility of switching medications, but in many cases, the benefits of ototoxic drugs outweigh the potential side effects of hearing damage. If hearing damage does arise, we can help you manage it.
Managing Hearing Loss
Hearing aids are a standard tool for managing hearing loss. The devices collect and amplify important speech and background sounds to help you communicate with others and stay aware of your surroundings. Some devices even feature a helpful tinnitus masking setting that covers the internal ringing with soothing external sounds to help you manage the symptom.
For more information about managing hearing loss or to schedule a hearing test, contact Benke Ear Nose & Throat Clinic today.
[1] Torere, B. E., Chittipolu, S., Alugba, G., Aiwuyo, H. O., & Kennard, J. L. (2023). Sudden-Onset Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Tinnitus in a Patient With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case Report and Literature Review. Cureus, 15(5), e38739. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.38739
[2] Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Ototoxicity. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24769-ototoxicity