We all know that tinnitus is a "ringing in the ears" and that it can be annoying to live with, but did you know that tinnitus can signal hearing loss and also be permanent hearing damage? A little known fact about tinnitus is that taking certain drugs (or medications) can cause tinnitus. Depending on the drug, the tinnitus may or may not become a permanent problem for you.

When a drug causes tinnitus it is called an ototoxic drug. Ototoxic drugs are those that cause damage to the cochlea and balance structure in the ear(s), this is then what causes tinnitus as a side effect. Tinnitus is usually reversible, but can sometimes become permanent- this depends on the medication that was taken, dosage of medication, and how long you were taking the medication.

There are six main types of medication that could potentially cause tinnitus as a side effect, they are:

Aspirin and products which contain aspirin can cause tinnitus. Tinnitus and other ototoxic side effects are usually seen after one has been taking 6-9 pills daily. The tinnitus will usually reverse itself very soon after you stop taking the medication.

NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like Advil, Motrin, Naproxin and Voltarin can also cause tinnitus. Again, tinnitus and other ototoxic side effects are usually seen after one is taking 6-8 pills daily. As is the case with aspirin or aspirin containing products, the tinnitus usually reverses itself very soon after you stop taking the medication.

Antibiotics can also cause tinnitus and other ototoxic effects. They are especially likely to cause these types of side effects if you are given them through an IV during a life-threatening situation in which large doses are required. Topical dosages and ear drops haven't been shown to cause tinnitus or any other ototoxic side effects.

There are several diuretics out there- Lasix, Endecrin, and Bumex, to name a few- that will cause tinnitus if taken in overly large dosages, for extended periods of time or when given through an IV when kidney failure or hypertension are imminent.

A note about chemotherapy medications- when being treated for cancer using these medications, tinnitus is very common, and although it's usually temporary, it's a good idea to make sure you are working closely with your physician to make sure to lessen the effects of tinnitus or ototoxicity.

If you are taking ANY drugs which have been known to cause tinnitus as a side-effect, or you think the drug(s) you are taking could be causing tinnitus, it's important to stop taking the drug immediately (under the supervision of your physician) and to report any tinnitus symptoms to your physician so you can have your hearing checked with an audiologist.

If your physician decides that continuing to take the drugs with tinnitus as a side effect is worth the risk, it's important to make sure you have your hearing checked periodically with an audiologist.

Tinnitus is annoying and can be a pain to live with, but sometimes it is reversible. Talk to your physician immediately if you have trouble with tinnitus and think it may be caused by drugs you are taking.

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