List of Medications That Cause Tinnitus & Your Options
Key Takeaways:
While hearing loss is the most common contributor to tinnitus, some medications can cause tinnitus as a known side effect.
Medications that can cause tinnitus include: pain medication, blood pressure medication, anti-depressants, anti-inflammatory drugs, and diuretics, among others.
If you notice tinnitus after taking a new medication, consider talking with your doctor about any potential alternative drugs or therapies.
Lifestyle modifications can also help to reduce tinnitus perception.
As an audiologist, I have treated many patients with tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears that can be quite distressing. While we may not always know the cause of tinnitus, one contributing factor can be medication. Certain medications can trigger tinnitus or worsen existing symptoms. In this article, we’ll list some of the medications that can cause tinnitus and discuss options for managing the condition.
What should you do next?
Talk with your doctor
Consider lifestyle modifications, if appropriate
If you're taking ototoxic medications, monitor your hearing
If you suspect that your medication is causing tinnitus, it’s important to talk to your doctor. Medications react differently with everyone's biochemistry, but working closely with your healthcare provider can help find the best option for you while minimizing side effects, if possible. They may be able to adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication that doesn’t have the same side effects. Avoid stopping or changing your medication without consulting your doctor.
Lifestyle modifications can also help manage some conditions. High blood pressure is one example that may benefit from lifestyle changes, leading to decreased need for medication. As high blood pressure (with or without medication) may contribute to tinnitus on its own, treating this condition can help reduce tinnitus perception.
If your condition is best managed with ototoxic medication, schedule regular hearing monitoring. Hearing has a large impact on our overall well-being and quality of life. Especially chemotherapy drugs and certain other medications can have a synergistic impact on your hearing. Being proactive about your hearing during your treatment helps reduce the likelihood of hearing loss or tinnitus.
Are there any alternatives?
If your current medication is the best option to manage your health condition, there are still other ways to manage tinnitus. While there is currently no cure for tinnitus, there are ways to manage symptoms. Tinnitus retraining therapy is a common approach that involves counseling and sound therapy to help patients habituate to the sound of their tinnitus. White noise machines, hearing aids, and sound-masking devices can also be helpful. It’s important to work with an audiologist who specializes in tinnitus treatment to find the best treatment plan for you. If you're looking for tinnitus management strategies, try these five tips.
Conclusion:
Medications can be helpful for treating many health conditions, but they can also have side effects. Tinnitus is a common side effect of certain medications, including ototoxic drugs, chemotherapy medications, pain medications, loop diuretics, benzodiazepines, and some antidepressants and blood pressure medications. If you experience tinnitus after starting a new medication, talk to your doctor about your options. By working together, you can find a treatment plan that works for you.
