Why Does Viagra Cause Hearing Loss?

Viagra helps millions treat erectile dysfunction, but it may come with unexpected risks. One question people ask is: does Viagra cause hearing loss? Researchers continue to explore this connection. While the risk is rare, the possible link deserves attention.

Understanding this side effect helps people make informed decisions about their health. It also reminds us that hearing deserves regular care, especially when starting new medications.

How PDE5 Inhibitors May Affect Hearing

Viagra belongs to a group of drugs called PDE5 inhibitors. These medications include:

  • Sildenafil (Viagra)

  • Tadalafil (Cialis)

  • Vardenafil (Levitra)

  • Avanafil (Stendra)

They increase blood flow to treat erectile dysfunction. However, that same blood flow change may also impact the inner ear.

The Inner Ear Needs Steady Blood Flow

Your inner ear relies on oxygen-rich blood. Sudden blood flow changes can disrupt the delicate balance. This disruption may harm the cochlea or hair cells inside the ear.

PDE5 Inhibitors May Disrupt That Flow

These medications can reduce oxygen or alter nitric oxide levels. Both factors may damage the structures that help us hear.

An older couple looks sad.

What Is Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss?

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) happens quickly. It may develop over hours or a few days.

Common Symptoms of SSNHL:

  • Hearing loss in one ear

  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

  • Dizziness or balance problems

  • A full or plugged feeling in the ear

SSNHL is a medical emergency. If untreated, it may lead to permanent hearing loss. Anyone using ED medications should know these symptoms.

Learn more about hearing care from our National Speech Language Hearing Month post. 

The FDA Issued a Warning in 2007

The FDA added a hearing loss warning to Viagra and similar medications in 2007. This action followed reports of SSNHL shortly after ED drug use.

Look for These Red Flags:

  • Sudden hearing loss

  • Ringing or buzzing in one ear

  • New or worsening dizziness

Stop taking the drug if these symptoms appear. Then, contact a hearing care provider immediately.

Research Supports the Risk

Several studies explored how PDE5 inhibitors might relate to hearing loss. While rare, these studies show a consistent pattern.

Key Findings Include:

  • 2007: A case report linked Viagra to sudden hearing loss in both ears.

  • 2010: A survey of over 11,000 men found ED drug users reported hearing loss twice as often.

  • 2011: An international review found 47 sudden hearing loss cases linked to PDE5 inhibitors.

  • 2018: A large-scale analysis found an increased risk of SSNHL among PDE5 users.

  • 2024: A FAERS database study confirmed a statistical association across all four PDE5 inhibitors.

Researchers agree more data is needed, but the signal is clear enough to take seriously.

Which Drugs Pose the Most Risk?

All four PDE5 inhibitors carry some hearing risk. However, researchers found differences between them.

Ranked by Reported Risk (2024 Study):

  1. Avanafil – Highest rate of disability linked to hearing issues

  2. Tadalafil – Strong association with sudden hearing loss

  3. Vardenafil – Higher risk of unilateral deafness

  4. Sildenafil – Most common reports, lowest risk overall

Most reported cases came from men over age 55 in the United States.

Why Might These Drugs Affect Hearing?

Scientists have several theories about how Viagra might damage hearing.

Possible Mechanisms Include:

  • Blood Flow Disruption: Sudden changes may reduce oxygen to inner ear cells.

  • Nitric Oxide Effects: High nitric oxide levels may harm sensitive ear structures.

  • Cochlear Damage: Increased pressure and inflammation can impair hearing over time.

Though more research is needed, these ideas help explain the potential link.

Other Risk Factors for Sudden Hearing Loss

Viagra is not the only cause of SSNHL. Many health issues can increase risk.

Additional Risk Factors Include:

  • Viral infections

  • Autoimmune diseases

  • High blood pressure or circulation problems

  • Ear injuries or head trauma

  • Other ototoxic medications

  • Stress or extreme fatigue

Combining ED drugs with other ototoxic medications may increase the hearing loss risk further.

Find out about stress and hearing loss. 

What to Do If You Notice Sudden Hearing Loss

If you lose hearing suddenly, act fast. Do not wait for it to improve on its own.

Steps to Take:

  1. Stop taking the medication.

  2. Call a hearing care provider immediately.

  3. Start treatment within 48 hours if possible.

Treatment Options:

  • Steroid Medications: Reduce inflammation in the inner ear.

  • Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Increases oxygen to promote healing.

  • Hearing Aids: Help restore communication if hearing loss remains.

Quick action offers the best chance of recovery.

Explore 7 reasons to choose custom hearing aids. 

A man takes a hearing test.

Ways to Protect Your Hearing While Taking ED Medications

You can lower your risk of hearing issues by taking a few simple steps.

Protective Actions Include:

  • Use the lowest effective dose.

  • Take medications only as prescribed.

  • Avoid combining with other common medications that may cause hearing loss.

  • Wear hearing protection in noisy environments.

  • Get regular hearing checkups.

Staying alert to changes can help protect long-term hearing health.

Discover the other common medications that can cause hearing loss. 

FAQs About Viagra and Hearing Loss

Does Viagra cause hearing loss?

Viagra may increase the risk of sudden hearing loss, especially within 24 hours of use.

What should I do if I lose hearing after taking Viagra?

Stop the medication and seek emergency hearing care. Fast treatment improves recovery chances.

Are other ED drugs safer?

All PDE5 inhibitors carry some risk. Avanafil may have the highest link to hearing problems.

Can I continue using Viagra if I’ve lost hearing before?

Speak to your hearing care provider. You may need to avoid all PDE5 medications.

How common is this side effect?

Rare, but serious. Most men will not experience hearing loss, but awareness is key.

Understand the comorbidities of hearing loss. 

An older couple dances together happily.

Take Action to Protect Your Hearing

Sudden hearing loss can be scary, especially if linked to a common medication. If you use Viagra or other ED drugs, stay informed. Know the symptoms. Get regular hearing checks. Always take action if your hearing changes suddenly.

If you’ve noticed hearing changes or want a checkup, contact Stanford Hearing today. Our hearing care providers offer compassionate care and personalized solutions to help you stay connected to what matters most.