Does taking low-dose aspirin daily slow the progression of age-related hearing loss? A study published in JAMA Network Open this July reported that it did not.
Why it matters
The research underscores the importance of evidence-based medicine in avoiding unnecessary aspirin use, which may result in gastrointestinal bleeding.
A closer look
- The researchers compared a daily 100-mg dose of enteric-coated aspirin to a placebo.
- Researchers measured hearing with audiometry and binaural speech perception in noise.
- Evaluations were done at baseline, 18 months, and three years.
By the numbers:
- 279 participants, 55% male
- Median age: 73.1 years
Results
- No significant difference in mean 4-frequency average hearing threshold changes between aspirin and placebo groups
- No significant difference in mean binaural speech perception threshold between groups. (Binaural speech perception in noise is the ability to understand speech with background noise using both ears.)
- Findings consistent across sex, age groups, diabetes, and smoking status
The takeaway
Always consult your audiologist or physician before taking drugs or supplements to treat hearing loss or other health conditions.
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