In 1998, Pfizer introduced a new drug into the market that became an instant phenomenon. Viagra – a new pill to treat erectile dysfunction – was being talked about in every coffee shop and on every street corner, and during the first three months that it was available in drugstores, doctors wrote almost 3 million prescriptions for the drug.

A Connection Between Viagra and Hearing Loss

The drug has worked wonders for many men’s sexual stamina, but over the years there have been several reported cases of  hearing loss amongst men who took Viagra (or other phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors – more commonly called a PDE-5i). Scientific research was published in 2007 that confirmed the connection.

Study Confirms the Link Between Viagra and Hearing Loss

The study was conducted at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. It followed more than 11,000 men over the age of 40 for three years. The study found that men who take Viagra are twice as likely to experience hearing loss than those who don’t take PDE-5i drugs.

How Does Viagra Cause Hearing Loss?

While the reason for this increase in hearing loss hasn’t been confirmed, many experts think that taking PED-5i medications increases blood flow to the ear. This higher volume of blood results in damage to the delicate vessels of the ear, causing hearing loss.

FDA Issues Warning

The same year the Birmingham study was released, the FDA required Pfizer, the manufacturer of Viagra, to add a warning that Viagra may lead to hearing loss. Pfizer made hearing loss more prominent on its list of potential side effects.

It is important to remember that not all men who take Viagra will experience hearing loss, and the risk of hearing loss must be balanced with the benefit of having a healthy, happy love life. Men who take Viagra should be aware of the early symptoms of hearing loss, and visit an  audiologist regularly to get their hearing tested to quickly find out if any changes in their hearing are taking place.