US researchers at Harvard University Brigham and Women's Hospital, Vanderbilt University and the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston have warned that regular use of common painkillers may significantly increase the risk of hearing loss – and in some cases, by as much as one-third.

The Daily Telegraph reports that taking common over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as aspirin or paracetamol could affect the hearing of those below the age of 60.

The team followed 26,000 men every 2 years for 18 years, with volunteers completing questionnaires about how often they used painkillers and their degree of hearing loss. Regular use of painkillers was defined as twice a week.

Among paracetamol users, the researchers found that for men under the age of 50, the risk doubled. Those in their fifties who regularly took paracetamol had a 38 per cent increased risk of developing some hearing impairment. The risks were found to decrease as people grew older, however, with regular users of paracetamol over the age of 60 having a 16 per cent increased risk of hearing loss, compared with their peers who did not use the painkillers regularly.

Among users of drugs such as aspirin – known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDS – the risks were found to be higher. Those under the age of 50 had a 61 per cent increased risk of developing hearing loss – while those in their fifties had a 32 per cent increased risk. Those aged 60 and above again had a 16 per cent increased risk of developing some hearing impairment if they regularly used OTC painkillers such as aspirin or ibuprofen.

Previous studies have shown that prolonged use of aspirin can lead to some degree of hearing loss – and more than 1 million people in the UK are thought to suffer from some hearing impairment.

Around 9 million people in the UK are classed as deaf or hard of hearing – and more than 6.5 million of these are aged over 60. Around 2 million people in the UK use a hearing aid – but another 2 million might actually benefit from using one.

Many people in the UK now take aspirin on daily basis to help prevent a heart attack.

Co-study author Dr Sharon Curhan – from the Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston – said:

‘Regular use might increase the risk of adult hearing loss, particularly in younger individuals. Given the high prevalence of regular analgesic use – and health and social implications of hearing impairment – this represents an important public health issue.’

The findings of the study are published in the American Journal of Medicine.

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