Many of us rely on over-the-counter painkillers to get through daily aches and pains, but what if your go-to medication is doing more harm than good? That’s the concern raised by East Sussex reader Ann Burgess, who asked whether taking high doses of ibuprofen over a year could have caused her hearing loss.
Dr Martin Scurr responds: It’s entirely possible. Research from the 2012 Nurses’ Health Study in the U.S. found that women who took ibuprofen more than twice a week had a 10% higher risk of developing sensorineural hearing loss—a type caused by damage to the inner ear’s delicate hair cells.
These hair cells in the cochlea are essential for converting sound into signals your brain can understand, and once damaged, they can’t regenerate.
While the exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, scientists believe NSAIDs like ibuprofen may reduce blood flow to the cochlea by blocking chemicals called prostaglandins, which help maintain healthy circulation in the ear.
Other NSAIDs such as naproxen, indomethacin, piroxicam, and celecoxib have shown similar risks, though aspirin seems safer, at least in women.
The takeaway? Long-term, daily NSAID use isn’t recommended.
Short courses of one to two weeks are far safer than months of continuous use.
Living with Persistent Back Pain from Discitis
Chronic back pain can be debilitating, especially after a serious infection like discitis.
Frank Allen, 82, from Lyme Regis, wrote in after months of ongoing pain following intravenous antibiotics for this condition.
Dr Scurr explains: Discitis is a rare infection of the spinal discs, usually caused by bacteria like staphylococci that spread through the bloodstream.
Because discs have few blood vessels, infections can persist and even spread into the vertebrae, causing abscesses and nerve problems.
Older adults or those with weakened immune systems are most at risk.
Treatment typically involves long courses of high-dose intravenous antibiotics, often for around 12 weeks, along with strict rest. Pain may continue even after treatment ends, but specialists in pain management can help, and most patients see improvement over the following months.
In rare cases, surgery is needed to drain abscesses.
Beware Health Advice from Insurers
Dr Scurr also warns patients to be cautious about health guidance offered by insurance companies.
While insurers may present themselves as helping customers navigate their healthcare “journey,” their primary goal is profit—not personalized medical care.
Unlike GPs, insurers don’t know a patient’s medical history, psychology, or specific needs.
This means recommendations for specialists or treatments may not always be in the patient’s best interest.
When in doubt, always rely on your GP to guide you toward the safest and most effective care.
If you have health questions, write to Dr Scurr at Good Health, Daily Mail, 9 Derry Street, London, W8 5HY, or email drmartin@dailymail.co.uk. Remember, these replies are general advice—always consult your GP for concerns about your own health.
