For many men and women, the drug Viagra has been beneficial in rekindling certain aspects of their relationship. However, doctors are now beginning to worry that a potential side effect of the drug, used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), may actually contribute to long-term hearing loss in men. This is because a new study reported on MSNBC.com has found that men who took Viagra or other related drugs had a great risk for hearing loss than men who had not used the drug.

Looking at the records of over 11,500 men who were over the age of 40, researchers found that when phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE-5i), which includes Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra, were taken regularly, they were twice as likely to problems with their hearing versus men who took no medication.

The association was most prominent in men using the generic form of Viagra (sildenafil), versus those who used Cialis (tadalafil) or Levitra (vardenafil). The authors of the study report that this discrepancy may be largely due to the difference in usage between the various products.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has in fact required the makers of PDE-5i drugs to indicate an increased risk for sudden hearing loss in their products, but the current study is the first to examine the use of the drugs in relation to the long-term hearing consequences.

It is important to note that the findings, which were published in the journal Archives of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery, suggest only an association and do not indicate and cause and effect link, which will require more research. Furthermore, the study did not account for pre-existing conditions that may have contributed to hearing loss, which is not uncommon in older individuals, who were the focus of the study.

Nonetheless, doctors recommend that the public be aware of the potential side effects and to use them with prudence, keeping an eye out for any signs or symptoms for hearing loss so that the problem can be treated, thereby avoiding any permanent damage.

Drugs like Viagra were originally intended for the treatment of high blood pressure, though they have come to be known as an effective treatment for ED. They work by increasing blood flow to certain parts of the body. It has been theorized that this may be the root cause of hearing loss, whereby an increased flow of blood to the ear could compromise its ability to function.

If you have questions or concerns, speak with your doctor. If you are experiencing hearing problems in conjunction with taking any of these medications, discontinue use immediately and seek medical help.