Ozempic (semaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist licensed in the UK for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. Whilst this once-weekly injectable medication effectively lowers blood sugar and promotes weight loss, patients may wonder about potential side effects, including whether Ozempic causes hearing loss. Currently, there is no established causal link between Ozempic and auditory impairment in official product literature or regulatory guidance from the MHRA or EMA. However, people with diabetes may experience hearing problems due to the underlying condition itself, as elevated blood glucose can damage blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear over time.

What Is Ozempic and How Does It Work?

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a prescription medication licensed in the UK for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. It belongs to a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which work by mimicking the action of a naturally occurring hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and appetite.

The mechanism of action involves several key processes. Ozempic stimulates insulin secretion from the pancreas when blood glucose levels are elevated, helping to lower blood sugar after meals. Simultaneously, it suppresses the release of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood glucose. Additionally, semaglutide slows gastric emptying, which means food moves more slowly from the stomach into the small intestine, contributing to improved glycaemic control and increased satiety.

Ozempic is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection, typically starting at a low dose (0.25 mg) and gradually increasing to therapeutic doses of 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg, depending on individual response and tolerability. The medication has demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing HbA1c levels and promoting weight loss in clinical trials.

According to NICE guidance (NG28), GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic may be considered for adults with type 2 diabetes as part of triple therapy when other treatments have not achieved adequate glycaemic control. They are particularly suitable for those with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 kg/m² or higher (with adjustment for ethnicity), or for those with a BMI below 35 kg/m² where weight loss would benefit other significant obesity-related comorbidities. Ozempic may also be used as monotherapy when metformin is contraindicated or not tolerated. The MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) continues to monitor the safety profile of semaglutide as part of ongoing pharmacovigilance activities.

Recognised Side Effects of Ozempic

Like all medications, Ozempic can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. The most commonly reported adverse effects are gastrointestinal in nature and typically occur during the initial weeks of treatment or following dose increases. These include:

• Nausea (affecting more than 1 in 10 people)

• Diarrhoea and vomiting

• Constipation and abdominal pain

• Reduced appetite

These gastrointestinal symptoms usually diminish over time as the body adjusts to the medication. Starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing it helps minimise these effects.

Less common but more serious side effects that require medical attention include:

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) – characterised by severe, persistent abdominal pain

• Diabetic retinopathy complications – particularly in patients with pre-existing eye disease

• Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) – especially when used alongside insulin or sulphonylureas

• Acute kidney injury – often secondary to severe dehydration from vomiting or diarrhoea

• Gallbladder problems – including gallstones and cholecystitis (watch for right upper abdominal pain, fever, or jaundice)

• Hypersensitivity reactions – such as rash, urticaria, or rarely, anaphylaxis

• Injection site reactions – including redness or irritation at the injection site

Regarding hearing loss, there is currently no established causal link between Ozempic and auditory impairment in the official product literature or regulatory guidance from the MHRA or EMA (European Medicines Agency). Hearing loss is not listed among the recognised adverse effects in the Summary of Product Characteristics. While isolated case reports may exist, no clear pattern has been established. However, patients with diabetes may experience hearing problems due to the underlying condition itself, as diabetes can affect blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear over time.

If you suspect you have experienced a side effect from Ozempic, you can report it through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or via the Yellow Card app). Any concerns about hearing changes should be discussed with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and appropriate investigation.

When to Seek Medical Advice About Hearing Changes

If you experience hearing changes whilst taking Ozempic, it is important to seek medical evaluation, even though there is no official link between the medication and hearing loss. Hearing impairment can have multiple causes, and timely assessment ensures appropriate diagnosis and management.

Contact your GP or healthcare provider if you notice:

• Gradual reduction in hearing ability in one or both ears

• Persistent ringing, buzzing, or other noises in the ears (tinnitus)

• Difficulty understanding speech, particularly in noisy environments

• A sensation of fullness or pressure in the ears

• Dizziness or balance problems accompanying hearing changes

Seek urgent same-day medical attention if you experience:

• Sudden hearing loss developing over 72 hours or less – this is considered an ENT emergency requiring same-day specialist assessment; contact your GP or NHS 111 to arrange urgent ENT review, or attend A&E if out-of-hours and urgent ENT access is via the emergency department locally

• Hearing loss accompanied by severe dizziness, vomiting, or inability to maintain balance

• Hearing changes following head trauma

• Discharge from the ear, particularly if bloody or foul-smelling

Your healthcare provider will conduct a thorough assessment, which may include examination of the ears, hearing tests (audiometry), and evaluation of your diabetes control. Research suggests that people with diabetes have an increased risk of hearing impairment compared to those without diabetes. This association is thought to relate to damage to small blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear caused by prolonged elevated blood glucose levels.

When consulting your doctor, provide a complete medication history, including all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements. This information helps identify potential contributing factors and ensures any hearing investigation is appropriately tailored to your circumstances. Do not stop taking Ozempic without medical advice, as abrupt discontinuation may affect your diabetes control.

Monitoring Your Health While Taking Ozempic

Regular monitoring is essential for anyone taking Ozempic to ensure optimal diabetes management and early detection of potential complications. Your healthcare team will establish a monitoring schedule tailored to your individual needs.

Routine monitoring should include:

• Blood glucose levels – self-monitoring as individually advised by your diabetes team; routine monitoring may not be necessary if you're not taking insulin or sulphonylureas

• HbA1c testing – usually every 3–6 months to assess long-term glycaemic control

• Weight and BMI – tracked at regular appointments

• Blood pressure – checked at each consultation

• Kidney function (serum creatinine and eGFR) – as part of standard diabetes reviews, with additional checks if you experience severe or prolonged vomiting or diarrhoea

• Annual diabetes reviews – comprehensive assessments including foot examination, retinal screening, and cardiovascular risk evaluation

According to NICE guidance (NG28), people with type 2 diabetes should receive structured education about their condition, including how to recognise and respond to side effects. Be vigilant for symptoms requiring prompt medical review, such as persistent severe abdominal pain (possible pancreatitis), visual changes, or signs of dehydration.

Practical tips for safe use:

• Maintain adequate hydration, especially if experiencing gastrointestinal side effects

• Rotate injection sites to reduce injection-site reactions

• Store Ozempic in the refrigerator before first use; once in use, it can be kept at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 6 weeks

• Keep a record of any side effects or concerns to discuss at appointments

• Attend all scheduled diabetes reviews and screening appointments

If you have concerns about any aspect of your treatment, including potential hearing changes or other symptoms, maintain open communication with your healthcare team. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes, and your medical professionals can provide personalised advice based on your complete clinical picture. Structured education programmes for people with type 2 diabetes (such as DESMOND or X-PERT) and local diabetes services offer additional support resources for managing your condition effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions