proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and hearing loss

Last edited 03/2022 and last reviewed 03/2022

Since the introduction of omeprazole in 1989, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have steadily become the mainstay in treatment of acid-related disorders (1)

• Pavaci et al undertook an analysis of the audiological characteristics and comorbidity in patients with chronic tinnitus and found that:
  • proton pump inhibitors and levothyroxine showed a statistically significant correlation with the presence of chronic tinnitus (2)
    
    
• Yee et al undertook a study aimed to investigate the association between proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use and risk of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) or tinnitus in patients with type 2 diabetes using hospital- and population-based data
  • (n=1,379) found proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use was associated with increased risk of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) or tinnitus (OR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.30-1.99) with higher risk for current or recent use of PPI and high average daily dose

Reference:

• Strand DS, Kim D, Peura DA. 25 Years of Proton Pump Inhibitors: A Comprehensive Review. Gut Liver. 2017;11(1):27-37. doi:10.5009/gnl15502
• Pavaci S, Tortorella F, Fioretti AB, et al. Analysis of the audiological characteristics and comorbidity in patients with chronic tinnitus. Audiol Res. 2019;9(2):231. Published 2019 Dec 19. doi:10.4081/audiores.2019.231
• Yee J, Han HW, Gwak HS. Proton pump inhibitor use and hearing loss in patients with type 2 diabetes: Evidence from a hospital-based case-control study and a population-based cohort study. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2021 Dec 30. doi: 10.1111/bcp.15210. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 34970788.