PAINKILLERS may make users deaf, a study says.

It found long-term use of paracetamol and ibuprofen raised the chances of hearing loss by ten per cent.

1

They affected women who took the pills two or more days a week, for at least six years.

It is thought the drugs may cut blood flow in ear capillaries. Short-term use posed little risk.

The team in Boston, US, calculated nearly one in six deafness cases in ageing people could be due to painkillers.

They examined use of paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin by more than 54,000 women aged from 48 to 73, and compared it with rates of hearing loss.

Aspirin was given the all-clear. Researchers said the results apply equally to men.

Study leader Dr Gary Curhan said: “Given how commonly they are used, even a small increase in risk could have important health implications.”

Sohaila Rastan, from the charity Action on Hearing Loss, said: “This study suggests that there may be a small increased risk of hearing loss in women who take over-the-counter painkillers for a long period of time.

RELATED STORIES

will becks go bald?

From hats making you bald to sex leading to heart attacks, we uncover the truth behind men's biggest health fears

MUMS TOLD TO QUIT CIGS

Hospitals 'should test pregnant women to expose smokers who put babies' health at risk'

ARE YOU AT RISK?

Nearly one-in-five 'healthy' people suffer high blood pressure - and DON'T know it

Food for thought

How dark chocolate helps fight disease and other food with health benefits

“However, more research is needed to establish whether painkillers are the actual cause of this hearing loss or if other factors are involved.

“It would also be important to understand how painkillers might be damaging the ear, if they are indeed the cause. We would welcome further studies in the field.

“In the meantime, Action on Hearing Loss would encourage anyone concerned about their hearing to have it checked by an audiologist.”

Paracetamol had previously been linked to heart and kidney risk plus autism in babies.