Doctors view tinnitus as a symptom of an underlying issue, often noise-induced inner ear damage or hearing loss, but also related to brain activity, stress, or other conditions; while there's no universal cure, they recommend seeing a doctor for diagnosis to rule out serious causes (like tumors) and manage it with solutions like hearing aids, sound masking, CBT, and addressing root problems like earwax buildup or blood pressure, focusing on reducing distress and improving quality of life.
But experts suggest trying 1 of the following to find relief:
High doses of amitriptyline have been reported to cause neurological side effects including tinnitus. Tinnitus has been reported to occur 2 days after a dose increase of amitriptyline to 150mg per day.
Some reports of tinnitus have occurred with certain ARBs—irbesartan, losartan, and valsartan—but mainly when taken in combination with diuretics. Certain beta blockers.
Tinnitus and nausea in the morning can be caused by several factors, including changes in blood circulation, dehydration, and stress. Lying down for extended periods can affect blood flow to the head and ears, potentially intensifying tinnitus and causing nausea.
These blood flow changes can cause tinnitus or make tinnitus more noticeable. Other chronic conditions. Conditions including diabetes, thyroid problems, migraines, anemia, and autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus have all been associated with tinnitus.
A new study conducted in South Korea revealed a strong link between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Additionally, treating GERD with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) — the primary treatment method for the condition — significantly increased the risk of developing tinnitus.
Blood pressure medications – ACE inbihibitors (Lisinopril and Enalprel) have been known to cause tinnitus. Beta Blockers like Propranolol and Nebivolol (Bystolic) can rarely cause tinnitus. Propranolol is also used for anxiety disorders including performance anxiety.
Common side effects
Melatonin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that may protect the inner ear from damage caused by loud noise or certain medications. It also helps regulate neurotransmitters that influence how the brain processes sound, including tinnitus.
Anxiety Medications
If you discontinue taking benzodiazepines for anxiety, such as alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), or clonazepam (Klonopin), tinnitus might pop up as a withdrawal symptom.
Common side effects
There is a close relationship between certain problems with the jaw joint (TMJ) and tinnitus. Scientific studies have shown that people with TMJ problems are more likely to suffer from tinnitus. Similarly, people who have sustained an injury to their neck may also suffer from tinnitus.
Our neurology experts talk with you about your medical history and look at the muscles and bones in your head and neck. They review any medications and supplements you take to see if tinnitus may be a side effect.
Masking. William Shatner has relied on masking as the only effective treatment for his tinnitus ever since it started with an explosion on the set of Star Trek. If you have tinnitus, you may have already noticed that when environmental sounds are abundant enough, you don't notice your tinnitus.
In a quiet setting, a fan, soft music, or low-volume radio static may help mask the noise from tinnitus. Manage stress. Stress can make tinnitus worse. Stress management, whether through relaxation therapy, biofeedback, or exercise, may provide some relief.
Alpha-blockers and Alpha-2 agonists are not recommended as first-choice treatment for high blood pressure. Beta-blockers can worsen asthma symptoms and other lung conditions. Vasodilators and loop diuretics present a risk of serious side effects.
Abstract. Losartan was the 9th most prescribed drug in the US in 2016, and several other angiotensin-II receptor blockers (ARBs) are widely prescribed. Since July 2018, more than two dozen specific ARB products have been recalled owing to the presence of potentially carcinogenic nitrosamine impurities in selected lots.
This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure.
After you've been diagnosed with tinnitus, you may need to see an ear, nose and throat doctor (otolaryngologist). You may also need to work with a hearing expert (audiologist).
Loop diuretics (including furosemide and bumetanide) can cause tinnitus and reversible hearing loss. Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause tinnitus and reversible hearing loss. Antimalarials (quinine and chloroquine). Tetracyclines (such as doxycycline and minocycline).
A hospital-based case-control study found that PPI use was associated with a 1.6-fold increased risk of sensorineural hearing loss or tinnitus. The same trend was seen in a population-based cohort study, with PPI use leading to a 1.5-fold increased risk of these conditions.
Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is characterized by chronic inflammation in the nasal and paranasal sinus mucosal membranes and is associated with increased risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
One study4 found that a form of CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which incorporates elements of both CBT and mindfulness, significantly reduced tinnitus distress. Personally, I found the combination of CBT and mindfulness to be the solution for my tinnitus.