Vardenafil Hearing Loss: What You Need to Know About This Rare Side Effect

When you take vardenafil, a prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the penis. Also known as the active ingredient in Levitra, it works similarly to other PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil and tadalafil. But while most people tolerate it well, a small number report sudden hearing loss — a rare but serious side effect that’s been documented in medical reports and FDA advisories.

This isn’t just about dizziness or ringing in the ears. sudden sensorineural hearing loss, a rapid drop in hearing, often in one ear, caused by nerve damage. Also known as sudden deafness, it can happen within hours or days of taking vardenafil. The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but researchers think it may be linked to reduced blood flow to the inner ear or an immune reaction triggered by the drug. It’s more likely in people with pre-existing conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes — conditions that already affect circulation. And while it’s rare (less than 1 in 10,000 users), it’s not theoretical. The FDA has received confirmed reports, and some patients have needed hearing aids or surgery after it happened.

If you’re taking vardenafil and notice sudden hearing changes — muffled sounds, fullness in the ear, or total loss — stop the medication and get medical help right away. Early treatment with steroids can sometimes restore hearing, but delays make recovery harder. This isn’t something to wait out. Also, if you’ve had this happen before with any ED drug, avoid vardenafil and other PDE5 inhibitors altogether. Your doctor can help you find alternatives like alprostadil injections or vacuum devices that don’t carry this risk.

What’s interesting is that this side effect doesn’t show up in most clinical trials because they’re too short and don’t track hearing changes closely. Real-world reports, like those from the FDA’s MedWatch system, are where the data comes from. That’s why it’s so important to listen to your body — not just the label. And if you’re using vardenafil for reasons beyond erectile dysfunction — like pulmonary hypertension — talk to your doctor about whether the benefits still outweigh this rare but life-altering risk.

You’ll find posts below that dig into similar topics: how other ED medications like Cialis and Penegra affect hearing, what other drugs can cause sudden hearing loss, and how to spot early warning signs before it’s too late. We also cover what to do if you’ve already experienced this side effect, how to report it to the FDA, and which alternatives are safest for people with circulation issues. This isn’t just about pills — it’s about protecting your long-term health while managing a condition that affects your quality of life.