Sildenafil’s Ototoxic Risks: Hearing Loss in American Males
Reading Time: 3 minutes Introduction Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, such as sildenafil citrate (Viagra), have revolutionized the management of erectile dysfunction (ED) since their approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998. In the United States, ED affects approximately 30 million men, with prevalence rising sharply after age 40, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While cardiovascular and visual adverse events are well-documented, emerging evidence suggests potential ototoxic effects, including sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). This article synthesizes audiological research focused on American males, examining sildenafil's association with auditory dysfunction through pure-tone audiometry, otoacoustic...
















