Medications That Can Cause or Worsen Tinnitus

Which medications are most likely to cause tinnitus

Several common medications can trigger tinnitus or make existing ringing worse. The most frequent culprits are aminoglycoside antibiotics (gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin at high doses), loop diuretics (furosemide, bumetanide), and chemotherapy drugs (cisplatin, carboplatin). Antidepressants, particularly SSRIs and tricyclic types, can also cause tinnitus in some people, as can certain blood pressure medications and antimalarial drugs like quinine.

The risk depends on the specific drug, the dose you take, how long you take it, and your individual sensitivity. A medication that causes tinnitus in one person may not affect another. If you take any of these drugs and notice new ringing or buzzing in your ears, the connection may be real—but do not stop taking the medication on your own. Instead, contact the doctor who prescribed it and describe what you are experiencing.

Tinnitus from medication can be temporary (stopping when you stop the drug) or permanent. The longer you take a medication and the higher the dose, the greater the risk of lasting damage. Some drugs cause tinnitus only at high doses, while others trigger it even at standard doses.

Key Takeaways

Antibiotics, NSAIDs, diuretics, and chemotherapy drugs are among the most common medication-related causes of tinnitus.
Tinnitus from medication may be temporary and resolve after you stop taking the drug, or it may be permanent.
Never stop taking a prescribed medication because of tinnitus without talking to your doctor first—the underlying condition may be more serious than the side effect.
If you develop tinnitus while on a new medication, tell your prescribing doctor as soon as you notice it, because timing matters for determining the cause.

Antibiotics that damage the inner ear

Aminoglycoside antibiotics are among the most ototoxic (ear-damaging) drugs available. These include gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin, and streptomycin. They are typically used for serious bacterial infections, particularly gram-negative infections or infections in people with cystic fibrosis. The risk of tinnitus and hearing loss increases with higher doses, longer treatment duration, and kidney problems that slow drug clearance from your body.

Other antibiotics can also cause tinnitus, though less commonly. Fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), macrolides (erythromycin, azithromycin), and vancomycin have all been reported to trigger tinnitus in some patients. The risk is generally lower than with aminoglycosides, but it exists. If you are prescribed one of these antibiotics and develop ear ringing, report it to your doctor immediately so they can weigh whether continuing the medication is necessary or whether an alternative exists.

NSAIDs and over-the-counter pain relievers

Ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin—especially at high doses or with long-term use—can cause or worsen tinnitus. Aspirin is particularly well-known for this effect; people taking high doses for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis sometimes develop temporary tinnitus that resolves when they lower the dose. NSAIDs are so commonly used that many people do not realize their over-the-counter pain reliever might be connected to new ear ringing.

The risk rises when you take NSAIDs regularly rather than occasionally. Someone taking ibuprofen once a week for a headache faces much lower risk than someone taking it daily for chronic pain. If you use NSAIDs frequently and develop tinnitus, talk to your doctor about whether you can reduce the dose, switch to a different pain reliever, or add a stomach protector if NSAIDs are necessary for your condition.

Diuretics and blood pressure medications

Loop diuretics—furosemide (Lasix) and bumetanide (Bumex)—are potent water pills used for heart failure, kidney disease, and severe high blood pressure. They carry a real risk of tinnitus and hearing loss, especially at high doses or in people with existing kidney problems. The mechanism is not fully understood, but these drugs appear to affect the fluid balance in the inner ear.

Other blood pressure medications can also trigger tinnitus, including beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers, though the risk is lower than with loop diuretics. If you take a diuretic or blood pressure medication and notice new tinnitus, do not assume it will go away on its own. Report it to your doctor, who can assess whether the medication is necessary, whether the dose can be lowered, or whether a different drug might work as well without the ear ringing.

Chemotherapy drugs and cancer treatments

Platinum-based chemotherapy drugs—cisplatin and carboplatin—are highly ototoxic and frequently cause tinnitus and hearing loss. These drugs are used to treat many cancers, including ovarian, testicular, lung, and head and neck cancers. The risk increases with cumulative dose (the total amount you receive over time) and is higher in children and people with pre-existing hearing problems.

Other cancer treatments, including some targeted therapies and immunotherapies, have also been linked to tinnitus, though less commonly than platinum drugs. If you are undergoing chemotherapy and develop tinnitus, tell your oncology team immediately. They may be able to adjust your treatment plan, add protective measures, or monitor your hearing more closely. In some cases, the tinnitus is temporary and improves after treatment ends, but it can also be permanent.

Antidepressants and psychiatric medications

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline, paroxetine, and fluoxetine have been reported to cause tinnitus in some people, though the connection is not as well-established as with antibiotics or NSAIDs. Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline can also trigger ear ringing. The mechanism is unclear, and tinnitus from these drugs is not common, but it does happen.

If you start an antidepressant and develop tinnitus within weeks, the medication may be responsible. Do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor, because stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms and your depression or anxiety may return. Instead, discuss the timing with your prescriber. They may lower the dose, switch you to a different antidepressant, or add another medication to manage the tinnitus while you continue the psychiatric treatment you need.

What to do if a medication causes tinnitus

If you suspect a medication is causing your tinnitus, the first step is to contact the doctor who prescribed it. Describe when the tinnitus started, whether it is constant or comes and goes, and whether it is in one ear or both. Bring a list of all medications you take, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, because multiple medications can interact or combine to worsen tinnitus.

Your doctor will weigh the benefit of the medication against the side effect. In some cases, the underlying condition (infection, high blood pressure, cancer) is serious enough that stopping the drug is not an option, and you will need to manage the tinnitus while continuing treatment. In other cases, an alternative medication exists that does not cause ear ringing. Sometimes lowering the dose reduces tinnitus without eliminating the drug's benefit.

If tinnitus develops after you stop a medication, it may take weeks or months to resolve, or it may be permanent. This is particularly true for aminoglycosides and chemotherapy drugs. Audiometry (hearing tests) can help determine whether the medication caused actual hearing loss or just tinnitus, and this information guides decisions about future treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can tinnitus from medication go away?

It depends on the drug and how long you took it. Tinnitus from NSAIDs or some antidepressants often resolves within weeks of stopping the medication. Tinnitus from aminoglycosides or chemotherapy drugs may be permanent, though some people experience improvement over months. Ask your doctor what the typical timeline is for the specific medication you took.

Should I stop taking a medication if it causes tinnitus?

No—do not stop without talking to your doctor first. The condition the medication treats may be more serious than tinnitus. Your doctor can help you decide whether to continue, lower the dose, switch to a different drug, or add treatment for the tinnitus itself while you keep taking the medication.

Can I take ibuprofen if I already have tinnitus?

Occasional use of ibuprofen is usually safe, but regular use may worsen existing tinnitus. If you have tinnitus and need pain relief, ask your doctor about alternatives like acetaminophen or other options that may be less likely to affect your ears.

Is there treatment for medication-related tinnitus?

Treatment depends on whether the tinnitus is temporary or permanent and how much it bothers you. Options include sound therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, hearing aids, and tinnitus retraining therapy. An audiologist or ear specialist can recommend approaches based on your specific situation.

How do I know if my tinnitus is from medication or something else?

Timing is the key clue. If tinnitus started shortly after you began a new medication, the medication is likely involved. Keep track of when it started, what medications you were taking, and any other changes. Share this timeline with your doctor, who can help determine the cause.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.