Paracetamol and Ibuprofen are two drugs popularly used to treat headaches, arthritis, toothaches and sports injuries such as sprains. But experts warn that taking the painkillers too frequently could cause deafness.
According to a study by US researchers, taking the painkillers for as frequent as two days a week for six years raises the risk of hearing loss by more than a sixth.
Why and how this happens is yet unclear but the study adds to a growing body of evidence linking the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) or paracetamol with loss of hearing,
However, US experts found there was no link with taking recommended doses of aspirin – a drug which people usually take over a long period of time to prevent the risk of heart attack or stroke.
While long-term use of ibuprofen or paracetamol was linked with a higher risk of hearing loss, no significant association was found with usual-dose aspirin use.
Hearing loss is an established side effect of high dosages of aspirin, but such dosages have become uncommon over the last two decades.
