If you have been experiencing ringing in the ears, it might be time to look at your medications. You may be surprised to realize that some of the everyday medications you use for pain relief and depression treatment side effects may contribute to ringing in the ears.
The first move to finding out if you are using any drugs that fall into this category is to find information from a reliable source. If you have taken these prescriptions recently, there’s a good chance it caused your tinnitus.
Below is a rundown on the list of medications that can cause ringing in the ears.
Aspirin and Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
Aspirin is an NSAID that you can take to reduce pain, swelling and fever. You can experience ringing in the ears if you are taking this medication. Other examples of NSAIDs include ibuprofen or naproxen sodium.
If you take aspirin or any other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug regularly, you may be at risk for ringing in the ears. NSAIDs can cause fluid retention and changes in blood flow, both of which may lead to tinnitus and hyperacusis.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are prescription medications that can cause ringing in the ears. They work by slowing down nerve activity in the brain, which can sometimes lead to changes in hearing. Some of the familiar benzodiazepines include Xanax, Valium and Klonopin. If you’re taking any of this medication and begin experiencing ringing in the ears, be sure to speak with your hearing instrument specialist about it.
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants are medications that can cause ringing in the ears. They are usually prescribed to treat depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions. Some common tricyclic antidepressants include amitriptyline, clomipramine and nortriptyline.
If you are taking any of these medicaments and begin experiencing ringing in the ears, be sure to speak with your hearing instrument specialist about it. There may be a different medication that can help you without causing this side effect. If you are taking tricyclic antidepressants and have been diagnosed with tinnitus, let your hearing instrument specialist know, as this may contribute to your condition.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are medications that are used to treat or prevent bacterial infections. Examples of antibiotics are amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin and erythromycin. While antibiotics help treat many infections, they can also cause ringing in the ears. It is because antibiotics can alter the bacteria in your ear, leading to an imbalance and increased production of wax.
If you are taking antibiotics and experience ringing in the ears, be sure to speak with your hearing instrument specialist about it. They may recommend a different antibiotic that does not have this side effect.
Loop Diuretics
Loop diuretics are medications that can cause ringing in the ears. They are used to nurse high blood pressure and other medical conditions. Some common loop diuretics include furosemide, bumetanide and torsemide. Unfortunately, loop diuretics also have a strong chance of causing dehydration.
In most cases, you should have your hearing checked before you start taking loop diuretics to ensure no problems already exist with your ears or tinnitus.
Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin is a retinoid that you take orally. Unfortunately, Accutane has very high rates of side effects, including hearing loss and ringing in the ears, which is why you must talk to your hearing instrument specialist about any other medications you are taking before you start this medication.
One study found that 33% of people who took isotretinoin experienced tinnitus, and 11% had hearing loss. The good news is that these reactions usually go away after you stop taking the medication.
Beta-Blockers
Beta-blockers are a type of medicament often prescribed to people who have high blood pressure, heart disease or migraines. While these medications can help manage those conditions, they can also cause ringing in the ears as a side effect due to their ability to decrease blood flow.
What to Look for When Your Ear is Ringing
Several different medications can cause ringing in the ears as a side effect. If you are encountering this issue, it is essential to speak with your hearing specialist to determine the different options available to you.
If you want to learn more about issues that impact your hearing, speak to one of our hearing instrument specialists at Better Hearing of Madison County. Call us today at (315) 693-3637 and we will be happy to help!
This article is for informational purposes only. Any changes in medication or in relation to your health should be discussed with your physician.
