Drugs causing tinnitus or ringing in the ear as well as hearing loss and disequilibrium such as vertigo and dizziness are described as ototoxic. They are described as such because they are toxic to the cochlear or vestibular (balance) structures in the ear.

Tinnitus is defined as the perception of sound in one or both ears or head in the absence of an external source. It is usually characterized by a ringing in the ears although there are other sounds associated with it, and they include booming, buzzing, chirping, clicking, hissing, roaring, rushing, and whistling noises. It is not an infection or disease in itself, but a symptom of an underlying medical condition. And, apparently, it is one of the symptoms of ototoxicity.

The medicines that potentially have ototoxic effects is generally grouped into six categories. First are the salicylates, which basically include aspirin and aspirin-containing products. Second are the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which include Advil, Aleve, Anaprox, Clinoril, Feldene, Indocin, Lodine, Motrin, Nalfon, Naprosyn, Nuprin, Paradol, and Voltarin. The third category is a group of antibiotics, which are subdivided as Aminoglycosides, Erythromycin, and Vancomycin.

The fourth, fifth, and sixth categories are loop diuretics, chemotherapy agents, and quinine, respectively. Loop diuretics include Lasix, Endecrin, and Bumex while chemotherapy agents include Cisplatin, Nitrogen Mustard, and Vincristine. Quinine, on the other hand, include Aralen, Atabrine (for treatment of malaria), Legatrin, and Q-Vel Muscle Relaxant (for treatment of night cramps).

It does not follow, though, that when you take these medications, you will automatically have ringing in the ears or other symptoms of ototoxicity; the tolerance and reaction to these medications vary from one person to another. Bu usually, they are more likely to cause ear health problems when they are taken in high dosages for a long period of time.

Aside from ototoxicity, the conditions associated with ear ringing include noise-induced cochlear damage, Meniere's Disease, presbycusis or age-associated hearing loss, earwax impaction, stress, muscle tension, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), whiplash injury, hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure, and atherosclerosis.

When it is found that one of the drugs causing tinnitus is the root cause of the ringing in your ears, your doctor may advise you to stop taking it and prescribe you with another one. Moreover, do not take conclusive actions without seeking for the advice of your doctor or health care provider as it may only worsen the condition.