Viagra is often referred to as the miracle pill for men that suffer from erectile dysfunction. However, there are some very serious side effects associated with this type of drug. One of them that has come to light through a variety of studies is the potential loss of hearing. It can be temporary at first but if the use of Viagra continues, the hearing loss can become permanent.
Why wasn’t this link found earlier? Many believe it is because many men do experience a decrease in their hearing ability as they get older. They don’t associate the hearing loss with the use of the drug Viagra. According to the FDA, this is a possible side effect from the use of any of the drugs offered for erectile dysfunction. Therefore, the situation won’t be resolved by asking your doctor to change which drug is prescribed.
What the FDA has found though is that in many of the Viagra related situations, the hearing loss can come on suddenly. There are many documented cases of this occurring and that is what prompted them to investigate the matter further. The goal of the FDA is to make sure consumers have accurate information when it comes to the drugs they choose to use.
Not all users of Viagra will suffer from hearing loss but they could still have problems with their ears. For example becoming dizzy or ringing in the ears has been reported. These symptoms should be reported to the doctor right away so that an evaluation can be made. It may be determined that a lower dose of Viagra can be used or it may be determined that the use of it has to be completely discontinued.
There doesn’t seem to be any common factor about which Viagra users are at the highest risk of hearing loss. Age doesn’t seem to be a factor or the use of certain other drugs. The dose doesn’t seem to be a factor that determines the hearing loss either. Some males have decided that they don’t want to take the risk so they aren’t using any erectile dysfunction medications. That is a lifestyle choice and it may be a wise one.
At this time it is believed that any male using the drug has the potential to experience such side effects. Make sure you carefully weigh the pros and cons of this drug before you decide if it is right for you or not. The FDA is requiring that Viagra and other drugs for erectile dysfunction carry a warning about the hearing loss risk. That wasn’t a requirement in the past.
Should you decide to use Viagra for erectile dysfunction, it is very important that you are well aware of the possible side effects that you may experience. If you notice any changes in your hearing, you should stop taking the drug. You should also immediately contact your doctor to discuss the situation. Don’t assume the problem will go away on it’s own as it can become worse. It can also result in permanent damage to the ears.