does vicodin effect hearing (audio)?
I am experiencing hearing loss from long term use of vicodin. Is this normal? Or is my hearing loss from something else?
Vicodin is a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Neither hydrocodone nor acetaminophen used alone causes hearing loss, but apparently when combined and taken in high dosages for a long period of time, can cause rapid hearing loss and lead to deafness. A hearing-loss warning was added to Vicodin's label in 2000.
Most resources say that hearing loss from Vicodin is rare and only occurs when the drug is abused. However, some doctors think the problem is more common than originally thought because determining the cause of someone's hearing loss is often difficult and the connection is not made.
The important thing is that you check with your doctor as soon as possible. Since stopping Vicodin abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms, it's important that you be under a doctor's supervision to help you taper off and or to provide you with an alternative pain medication. While there is no evidence that the hearing loss can be reversed, stopping the Vicodin may prevent it from progressing.
I wish you the best,
Karen
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