You have probably heard the qualifiers at the end of Viagra advertisements warning “seek immediate medical attention if you notice any sudden change in hearing”.    While the risk of hearing loss has long been reported for those taking Viagra,  prompting the FDA to require a warning label on the bottle in 2007, the actual data validating that risk has not been quantified until now.

A recent study of 11,525 men over the age of 40, performed at the University of Alabama-Birmingham, found a significant association between Viagra and permanent hearing loss for the first time.  Men who used Viagra were more than twice as likely to report hearing loss than those who did not.  Men who used Cialis or Levitra also reported a higher than normal incidence of hearing loss; however, the rate was not determined to statistically significant.

Dr. Gerald McGwin, the lead author in the study, suggests that increased blood flow associated with Viagra use may be the mechanism responsible for damage to the auditory system.   He goes on to warn “it is prudent that patients using these medications be warned about the signs and symptoms of hearing impairment and be encouraged to seek immediate medical attention to potentially forestall permanent damage”.

There are so many studies stressing the importance of green vegetables in our overall health, but our ear health?  A new study conducted by the Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation reveals that men over 60 whose diet included foods and supplements high in folates have a 20% reduced risk of hearing loss.  What foods are high in folates?  Asparagus, lettuce, spinach, fresh and dried peas and beans, sunflower seeds, fortified Baker’s yeast and liver all fit the bill.

In our search for the perfect job, or any job in this economy, we place so much emphasis on our appearance during the interview process.  But, what happens during that interview when you start looking unsure or respond inappropriately to your interviewer’s question because you didn’t hear them correctly?  What image does that present?  Are they already starting to think about the next employee prospect waiting in the lobby?

Approximately 3.1 million people have hearing loss, including 3 out of 10 over the age of 60.  These individuals are actively competeing with younger people with typically better hearing.  We also know that excellent listening skills are rated high by employers seeking qualified candidates.  In fact, 73% of employers questioned ranked listening as extremely important job skills.  While people often worry about how hearing aids will make them look, they tend to underestimate the negative impact NOT hearing can have, especially at work where effective communication is critical to success. 

Before you start your job search, follow these guidelines:

• If you think you have a hearing loss, see a licensed audiologist to receive a comprehensive hearing evaluation
• If your hearing loss can be helped with hearing instruments-and 95% of all hearing losses can- get properly fitted, again by a licensed audiologist
• Start using your hearing aids immediately and consistently to optimize the adaptation process
• Take advantage of any “Learning to Hear” classes or software programs offered in order to “teach your brain to hear” again
• Go to your interview confident in your hearing ability- you’ve acted proactively and the job is yours for the taking!