Can Medications Make Your Tinnitus Worse?
Have you recently started a new medication, or resumed one you’ve taken before, and now notice a ringing in your ears that wasn’t there before? You might be wondering if your prescriptions could be the cause. The short answer: yes, it’s possible.
While everyone responds to medications differently, many drugs have been linked to increased tinnitus symptoms. For some people, the ringing becomes more noticeable or persistent after starting certain medications.
Wait, This is on the Label?
Believe it or not, tinnitus wasn’t always listed as a known side effect. In fact, for many years it was either overlooked or buried deep in the fine print, if it was mentioned at all.
Some medications developed decades ago didn’t go through the same side effect reporting and post-market surveillance systems we rely on today. It wasn’t until patients began speaking up — reporting ear ringing, buzzing, or hissing after starting certain drugs — that tinnitus started getting the attention it deserved as a possible side effect.
Even now, medications that can trigger or worsen tinnitus don’t always list it clearly. It might appear under “less common” or “rare” reactions, or be left off entirely if the link isn’t fully proven through long-term studies. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to changes in your hearing and bring up any concerns with your doctor, especially when starting something new.
Tinnitus as a Side-Effect Through the Years
Here’s a quick look at how awareness of drug-induced tinnitus has evolved:
1940s
Aspirin and certain antibiotics (like streptomycin and gentamicin) were among the first drugs linked to tinnitus. These early observations helped coin the term “ototoxicity,” describing medications that could harm the ear.
1990s - 2000s
As more patients reported symptoms and pharmacovigilance improved, drugs like NSAIDs, chemotherapy agents (like cisplatin), and loop diuretics began to include tinnitus in their clinical side effect profiles. Formal case studies and academic reviews helped connect the dots between specific medications and ear-related symptoms.
2010s - Present
Tinnitus is now listed—though often as a rare or uncommon effect—on many drug labels. Health platforms like GoodRx now identify over a dozen drug classes that could contribute to ringing in the ears.
Common Medications Linked to Tinnitus
While tinnitus can stem from many sources, certain medications have been repeatedly linked to triggering or worsening that persistent ringing in the ears. Some of these are widely used, which means patients may not immediately suspect them as the cause.
Here are several drug classes that have been associated with tinnitus in today’s medical landscape:
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and naproxen (Aleve) have been connected to tinnitus, especially when taken at high doses or over extended periods.
Antibiotics
Certain antibiotics, especially aminoglycosides (like gentamicin) and macrolides (like erythromycin and azithromycin), have been shown to affect the inner ear and may lead to tinnitus or hearing loss.
Antidepressants and Anti-Anxiety Medications
Some SSRIs (e.g., sertraline, fluoxetine) and benzodiazepines (e.g., clonazepam, diazepam) have been associated with tinnitus in some patients. In some cases, stopping these medications too quickly may also trigger symptoms.
Chemotherapy Agents
Powerful drugs like cisplatin and carboplatin, commonly used in cancer treatment, are known for their ototoxic effects and are among the most documented causes of drug-induced tinnitus and hearing loss.
Diuretics
Also known as “water pills,” loop diuretics like furosemide (Lasix) and bumetanide can impact inner ear fluid levels and sometimes result in tinnitus.
Aspirin and Salicylates
High doses of aspirin and other salicylates have long been linked to temporary tinnitus. The effect often subsides once the medication is stopped or the dosage is lowered.
Antimalarial Medications
Drugs like chloroquine and quinine, though less commonly used today, have been associated with ear-related side effects, including tinnitus.
COVID-19 Vaccines
Though rare, there have been anecdotal reports of tinnitus or temporary changes in hearing following COVID-19 vaccinations. Large-scale studies have not confirmed a direct link, but individuals who experience symptoms after vaccination should monitor them and consult with their healthcare provider.
Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy)
Semaglutide-based medications have recently gained popularity for managing type 2 diabetes and weight loss. While tinnitus is not a widely recognized side effect, some patients have reported auditory changes. Ongoing research is still evaluating whether there is a meaningful connection.
What Should You Do ?
If you’re experiencing new or worsening tinnitus, especially after starting a medication, you don’t have to navigate this alone. At Hope Hearing and Tinnitus Center, our experienced audiologists specialize in evaluating and managing tinnitus symptoms through non-medical interventions. We offer personalized care tailored to your unique situation, including comprehensive hearing evaluations, tinnitus retraining therapy, and recommendations for lifestyle changes.
While we do not prescribe or manage medications, and we do not advise starting or stopping any medication without the direction of your prescribing provider, we can help you better understand your symptoms and collaborate with your broader care team to ensure a coordinated approach.
If you are suffering from tinnitus, we encourage you to reach out. Our team is here to answer your questions, provide clarity, and help you take the next steps towards relief.
