To date, the FDA has received approximately 30 reports of sudden hearing loss in patients taking a certain class of erectile dysfunction drugs called PDE5 inhibitors. Included in this class of drugs are popular brands such as Viagra, Cialis and Levitra. The reports indicate that any hearing problems experienced were often accompanied by dizziness and generally involved only one ear.
Following published case reports, the FDA urged manufactures of these drugs to better communicate and display the risk of hearing loss on product packaging and in product literature. The agency believes that properly educating consumers regarding emerging health issues associated with marketed drugs will help reduce the risk to consumers, as well as serve as a guide to those who do end up experiencing a problem with their hearing.
