About Arthritis
Arthritis is not one disease. Learn about the different types of arthritis, how they differ and why it's important.
Body-wide inflammation is at the root of most chronic diseases — and you may have more control over it than you think.
Newly Diagnosed With Arthritis
A new arthritis diagnosis can be overwhelming. These tips can help.
Understanding Arthritis
Arthritis Types
More About Arthritis
Webinar: Touch Therapies for Pain Management
Learn the evidence behind popular touch therapies for arthritis, including what to try and what to avoid, for how long and when.
Managing Arthritis Care Costs
Learn the basics about health care costs and financial tools available to you.
Webinar: Arthritis Fatigue Causes and Solutions
Learn the various causes of arthritis-related fatigue and strategies to combat weariness.
Drug Guide
Joint Surgery
Microbiome, Gut Health & Arthritis
Microbiome, microbes, microorganisms – these terms may be confusing, but the types of bacteria living in and on our bodies can impact arthritis. Learn what helps or harms the microbiome and the health of your gut and discover dietary changes that can make a difference. This episode was originally released on January 19, 2021.
Stairs Workout Demo
Strengthen your leg muscles and improve your stability to make going up and down stairs safer and easier.
Arthritis and Mental Health
Learn about the connection between arthritis, depression and anxiety and how these conditions can make your arthritis worse.
Ease of Use Products
Recipes & Nutrition
JA Family Summit
Learn about the National Juvenile Arthritis Conference, a place for families to connect, share and learn.
JA Camps
The Arthritis Foundation's JA camp programs give kids with arthritis and related childhood rheumatic diseases the chance to make lasting memories.
Juvenile Arthritis Volunteer
About Juvenile Arthritis
Transforming Clinical Interactions
The Live Yes! Arthritis community connects patients with others online and in-person for support and education, and encourages patients to play an active role in their health care.
Partners 4 Patients with Arthritis
The Arthritis Foundation recently launched an initiative to build stronger relationships and increase recognition of our most engaged practices.
See how we're aiming to address the growing shortage of arthritis specialists, especially in under-served parts of the country.
Better Living Toolkits
Our Issue Briefs
OACS Forum Series
The Osteoarthritis Clinical Studies Forum Series features OA thought leaders from across the globe discussing the future of how the disease can be treated to improve patient outcomes.
Conquering Childhood Arthritis
The Arthritis Foundation is mobilizing patients and their families to engage in studies comparing the effectiveness of treatments for juvenile arthritis and funding research for more options.
Osteoarthritis Focus
Participate in Clinical Trials
Take action today - use the resources here to learn who your elected officials are, what opportunities we have to advocate from the comfort of your own home, federal and state legislation, and more!
Live Yes! INSIGHTS
Share your experience in a 10-minute assessment to be among those changing the future of arthritis.
Live Yes! Podcast
You may have arthritis, but it doesn't have you. The Arthritis Foundation's one-of-a-kind podcast. Hosted by patients, for patients.
Live Yes! Arthritis Community
Your Local Area
arthritis gout home ja
Rx for Access
Online resource that helps patients better understand health coverage options, choose the right coverage, manage the denial process and reduce health care costs.
Do I Have Arthritis?
Think you may have arthritis? Learn about the four most common warning signs.
Gout is an inflammatory type of arthritis that more commonly affects men.
Arthritis and Hearing Loss
People with arthritis may experience hearing loss due to the disease or to the drugs used to treat it.
Several studies, including a 2018 study in Clinical Rheumatology, found higher rates of sensorineural hearing loss – a type of hearing loss usually caused by poor function of the hair cells in the cochlea – in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Some evidence also links hearing loss with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) and Sjogren's syndrome.
Medication-Related Causes
For most people with arthritis the likely culprits behind hearing problems are pain medications.
High doses of aspirin and other salicylates may cause reversible hearing loss or ringing in the ears (tinnitus). A 2010 study published in the American Journal of Medicine and a 2012 study in the American Journal of Epidemiology –confirmed the risks of aspirin and NSAIDs on hearing and the risks of other NSAIDs and acetaminophen on hearing as well.
The 2010 study, which examined data from nearly 27,000 men, found that regular aspirin use increased the chances of hearing loss by 50%, and regular NSAID use made hearing loss 61% more likely in men younger than 50. Among regular users of acetaminophen, the likelihood of hearing loss was doubled.
The 2012 study examined the relation between frequency of aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen use and risk of hearing loss among 62,261 women. It found that those who took ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) regularly were more likely to report hearing loss than those who rarely took the painkillers. The risk increased as frequency of drug use increased.
In both studies regular use was defined as at least twice a week and the link between analgesic use and hearing loss was generally greater among those younger than 50.
How Medications Hurt Hearing
Researchers suspect that aspirin and acetaminophen may reduce blood flow to the cochlea. Also, acetaminophen may deplete a protein called glutathione in the cochlea, says Sharon Curhan, MD, lead author of both studies. "Glutathione has been shown to protect the cochlea from damage."
While these pain-relievers are the most common medication-related cause of hearing loss in people with arthritis, other drugs may affect hearing. These include a class of antibiotics called aminoglycosides, including streptomycin, neomycin, and paromomycin; chemotherapy drugs such as cisplatin, carboplatin or bleomycin; and loop diuretics such as furosemide (Lasix) and bumetanide.
Disease-Related Causes
Researchers suspect that in some cases hearing loss could be related to the same faulty response that attacks the joints and other tissues in people with autoimmune forms of arthritis. In autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED), the cochlea and other structures of the inner ear are the target of the immune system's attack. Symptoms, such as dizziness and ringing in the ears, typically develop over several weeks or months. AIED usually occurs on its own, but an estimated 20% or more of those with AIED have another autoimmune disease such as RA or Sjogren's syndrome. AIED is rare, accounting for about 1% of all cases of hearing loss.
If you notice ringing in your ears, find it difficult to hear conversations on TV or understand what people are saying to you, let your doctor know. Hearing loss is often reversible, so finding a drug alternative, reducing the dose or how often you take it may solve the problem.
"Some hearing loss in some people is not a reason to stop a medication if not taking it will keep you from doing the things you need to do in your everyday life," says Tom Abelson, MD, a staff physician in the Department of Otolaryngology at the Beachwood Family Health and Surgery Center and at the Cleveland Clinic Head and Neck Institute.
Understanding the risks and talking to your doctor can help you to manage your pain and protect your hearing.
Managing Pain Treatment Nutrition Exercise Emotional Well-being Daily Living
Connect Face to Face Where You Live
Get encouraged and make living with arthritis easier through a Live Yes! Connect Group.
Stay in the Know. Live in the Yes.
Get involved with the arthritis community. Tell us a little about yourself and, based on your interests, you'll receive emails packed with the latest information and resources to live your best life and connect with others.
Live Yes! Online Community
Jingle Bell Run
Pathways Conference 2023
Walk to Cure Arthritis
1355 Peachtree St NE Suite 600
Helpline: 1.800.283.7800
37° Arthritis Index Beneficial
Arthritis Foundation is a qualified 501(c)(3) EIN 58-1341679
Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U.S. live their best life.
Join us and become a Champion of Yes. There are many volunteer opportunities available.
Take part to be among those changing lives today and changing the future of arthritis.
Proud Partners of the Arthritis Foundation make an annual commitment to directly support the Foundation's mission.
Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U.S. live their best life. Whether it is supporting cutting-edge research, 24/7 access to one-on-one support, resources and tools for daily living, and more, your gift will be life-changing.
Help millions of people live with less pain and fund groundbreaking research to discover a cure for this devastating disease. Please, make your urgently-needed donation to the Arthritis Foundation now!
Become an Arthritis Foundation member today for just $20 and you'll receive access to helpful tools..... and more.
Make a Honor or Memorial Gift
Honor a loved one with a meaningful donation to the Arthritis Foundation. We'll send a handwritten card to the honoree or their family notifying them of your thoughtful gift.
I want information on ways to remember the AF in my will, trust or other financial planning vehicles.
The Arthritis Foundation is focused on finding a cure and championing the fight against arthritis with life-changing information, advocacy, science and community. We can only achieve these goals with your help. Strong, outspoken and engaged volunteers will help us conquer arthritis. By getting involved, you become a leader in our organization and help make a difference in the lives of millions. Join us and become a Champion of Yes.
More About Volunteering
Walk to Cure
Do it Yourself Fundraising
JA Camp
Start a Live Yes! Connect Group
Be an Online Community Moderator
Local Leadership Board
Give Just 10 Minutes.
Tell us what matters most to you. Change the future of arthritis.
By taking part in the Live Yes! INSIGHTS assessment, you'll be among those changing lives today and changing the future of arthritis, for yourself and for 54 million others. And all it takes is just 10 minutes.
Your shared experiences will help:
- Lead to more effective treatments and outcomes
- Develop programs to meet the needs of you and your community
- Shape a powerful agenda that fights for you
Now is the time to make your voice count, for yourself and the entire arthritis community.
Currently this program is for the adult arthritis community.  Since the needs of the juvenile arthritis (JA) community are unique, we are currently working with experts to develop a customized experience for JA families.
How are you changing the future?
By sharing your experience, you're showing decision-makers the realities of living with arthritis, paving the way for change. You're helping break down barriers to care, inform research and create resources that make a difference in people's lives, including your own.
As a partner, you will help the Arthritis Foundation provide life-changing resources, science, advocacy and community connections for people with arthritis, the nations leading cause of disability. Join us today and help lead the way as a Champion of Yes.
Our Trailblazers are committed partners ready to lead the way, take action and fight for everyday victories. They contribute $2,000,000 to $2,749,000
Our Visionary partners help us plan for a future that includes a cure for arthritis. These inspired and inventive champions have contributed $1,500,00 to $1,999,999.
Our Pioneers are always ready to explore and find new weapons in the fight against arthritis. They contribute $1,000,000 to $1,499,999.
Our Pacesetters ensure that we can chart the course for a cure for those who live with arthritis. They contribute $500,000 to $999,000.
Our Signature partners make their mark by helping us identify new and meaningful resources for people with arthritis. They contribute $250,000 to $499,999.
Our Supporting partners are active champions who provide encouragement and assistance to the arthritis community. They contribute $100,000 to $249,999.
More About Partnerships
Ease Of Use Commendation
Let's Get a Grip On Arthritis
Promotions that Give Back