Erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra help millions of men. But does Viagra cause hearing loss? Studies show a possible connection between PDE5 inhibitors and sudden hearing loss. While rare, these cases can be serious. Understanding the risks can help protect your hearing health.
The Viagra and Hearing Loss Link: What We Know
Viagra (sildenafil) belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5Is). These drugs treat erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow. They also treat pulmonary hypertension and lower urinary tract symptoms in men. Other PDE5 inhibitors include:
- Tadalafil (Cialis)
- Vardenafil (Levitra)
- Avanafil (Stendra)
All four medications affect the body in similar ways but differ in speed and duration of action. Sildenafil (Viagra) remains the most widely used. Each drug has now been linked to reports of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).
What Is Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL)?
SSNHL is a sudden, unexplained hearing loss that happens within hours or days. It usually affects one ear and can include other symptoms:
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Muffled or distorted hearing
- Fullness or pressure in the ear
- Dizziness or balance problems
Hearing loss may range from mild to severe. Sometimes, recovery occurs on its own. But in many cases, treatment is necessary to restore hearing. The faster the treatment begins, the better the outcome.
Find out whether ear candling can help muffled hearing.
Research Shows a Link Between PDE5 Inhibitors and Hearing Loss
A 2024 study examined data from the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Researchers analyzed 1,438 reports linking PDE5 inhibitors to hearing issues. Key findings included:
- Most cases occurred in men over age 55
- Reports increased after 2008, when FDA added hearing warnings to drug labels
- Sildenafil had the most cases, but avanafil had the strongest statistical link
- Disability rates ranged from 8% (sildenafil) to 40% (avanafil)
These findings suggest a potential hearing risk with all PDE5Is, not just Viagra. Avanafil and tadalafil showed stronger signals than previously thought.
Common Symptoms Linked to “Viagra Deafness”
Researchers and physicians sometimes call this condition “Viagra deafness.” Though not a medical term, it reflects growing concern. Symptoms may include:
- Rapid hearing loss in one or both ears
- Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears)
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
Most cases involved only one ear. However, a few patients experienced bilateral hearing loss. For some, the loss was temporary. For others, the damage became permanent.
How Viagra and Other PDE5 Inhibitors May Affect the Ear
The exact cause of hearing loss from PDE5Is is unknown. But researchers propose several mechanisms.
1. Altered Blood Flow in the Inner Ear
PDE5 inhibitors improve circulation by widening blood vessels. This change may affect pressure inside the cochlea, damaging sensitive hair cells.
2. Stress on the Cochlea
The cochlea converts sound into nerve signals. Changes in pressure or oxygen flow may cause harm.
3. Nitric Oxide Imbalance
PDE5Is increase nitric oxide levels. High nitric oxide can stress inner ear cells.
4. Inflammation Response
Some scientists believe these medications trigger inflammatory responses in the ear, disrupting normal function.
5. Activation of Cell-Damaging Pathways
Increased nitric oxide raises cyclic GMP, which may activate harmful proteins like NF-kB and MAP kinase. These pathways are linked to cell damage and may lead to permanent hearing loss.
Understand the link between stress and hearing loss.
Hearing Loss Side Effects Vary by Drug
The 2024 pharmacovigilance study found hearing risks associated with all four PDE5 inhibitors:
| Drug | Reports | Strongest Symptom Link | Disability Rate |
| Sildenafil | 786 | Sudden hearing loss | 8.14% |
| Tadalafil | 515 | Sudden hearing loss and tinnitus | 13.39% |
| Vardenafil | 127 | Unilateral deafness | 10.24% |
| Avanafil | 10 | Tinnitus | 40% |
While avanafil had the fewest cases, its signal strength and disability rate were highest. Most adverse events involved men aged 45–74. Common comorbidities included hypertension and heart disease.
What the FDA Says About Viagra and Hearing Risks
In 2007, the FDA required label updates for Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra. The new labels warned of potential hearing loss. The FDA advises users to:
- Stop the medication if hearing changes occur
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Report side effects to the FDA MedWatch system
Although the FDA has not proven causality, the warnings remain on packaging today. Ongoing monitoring continues.
How to Protect Your Hearing While Using Viagra or Other PDE5Is
If you take ED medications, use these tips to protect your hearing:
1. Discuss All Side Effects With Your Doctor
Talk to your provider about hearing health before starting Viagra or similar drugs.
2. Follow Prescribed Dosages Only
Do not exceed the recommended dose. High doses may increase your risk.
3. Monitor for Unusual Symptoms
Watch for ringing, muffled hearing, or sudden loss in one ear.
4. Track Symptoms With a Journal
Write down what you feel and when. Share this with your healthcare provider.
5. Limit Loud Noise Exposure After Use
Avoid concerts or loud machinery for two days after taking ED medication.
6. Get Routine Hearing Tests
Annual hearing check ups help catch problems early and keep your hearing strong.
7. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Good circulation supports hearing health. Exercise, eat well, and avoid smoking.
8. Review Your Medication List Regularly
Many drugs—like NSAIDs, diuretics, and antibiotics—can also harm hearing. Let your provider know everything you take.
Learn more about how common medications affect your hearing.
When to See a Hearing Care Provider
Sudden hearing loss is a medical emergency. Call a hearing care provider immediately if you notice:
- Sudden change in hearing
- New ringing or buzzing
- Trouble understanding speech
- Dizziness or vertigo
Early treatment may restore your hearing. Delay may cause permanent loss.
Treatment Options for Sudden Hearing Loss
Several treatments may help reverse or manage SSNHL. Common options include:
- Steroids (oral or injected): Reduce inflammation in the ear
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Boosts oxygen to inner ear tissues
- Hearing Aids: Help restore hearing if loss becomes permanent
- Sound Therapy: Helps the brain relearn how to process sounds
- Antiviral Medication: Used when infection is suspected
- Batroxobin: An experimental drug derived from snake venom that improves blood flow
Most treatments work best within two weeks of symptom onset. After that, recovery chances drop sharply.
Find out why you should consider custom hearing aids.
What the Experts Say: Insights From the Latest Research
The 2024 study offered these key takeaways:
- Hearing loss risk increases with PDE5I use
- Older adults face greater vulnerability
- Tinnitus and unilateral deafness are the most common side effects
- Reports are likely undercounted due to self-reporting limitations
The study’s authors call for continued monitoring and more rigorous clinical trials.
Explore more ways to prevent hearing loss and reduce its impact.
Stay Informed and Take Action
So, does Viagra cause hearing loss? It might. The evidence suggests a small but real risk. Other PDE5 inhibitors—Cialis, Levitra, and Stendra—also carry similar concerns.
Most users will never experience hearing issues. But if you notice symptoms, act fast. Prompt care can protect your hearing and overall health.
Contact American Hearing + Audiology Today
Noticed hearing changes after taking ED medication? Contact American Hearing + Audiology now. Our hearing care providers will help you protect and restore your hearing health with personalized care and testing.
