Tinnitus Treatments and Medications

Tinnitus, often described as a ringing sound in the ears, can be distracting and make it difficult to cope in everyday life. People with tinnitus may experience ringing or other noises such as buzzing, hissing, or clicking. Tinnitus is often caused by an underlying problem or condition, such as TMJ, Meniere’s disease (an inner ear disorder), earwax buildup, a foreign object in the ear, an infection, or a head injury. Let’s explore tinnitus and what can be done to best treat and manage tinnitus symptoms.

How is tinnitus diagnosed?

Many things can cause tinnitus, such as hearing loss, migraine, ear infection, or exposure to loud noise, so a thorough evaluation can help determine if there is an underlying cause. A healthcare provider, such as a primary care provider or otolaryngologist, can evaluate and diagnose tinnitus. They typically will take a medical history and examine your ears, head, and neck. An audiologist may be consulted to perform hearing tests. Other tests, such as imaging, may be ordered as well. 

Tinnitus treatment options

There are several options for the treatment of tinnitus; however, treatment depends on the underlying condition. Some cases of tinnitus will clear up on their own. However, cases of chronic tinnitus do not currently have a cure. There are some pharmaceutical options to treat underlying conditions or associated symptoms. These options may include:

• Medication: If tinnitus is caused by a bacterial ear infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. Occasionally, other drugs are prescribed to help with symptoms experienced, but there is no current FDA-approved drug for tinnitus. Medications may also be changed if they are ototoxic, meaning they cause damage to the inner ear. Ototoxic drugs can cause tinnitus. 

• Other treatment: There are a variety of non-medical treatments that may help people with tinnitus symptoms, such as hearing aids, sound masking, and therapy. 

Types of tinnitus medication

Currently, there is no FDA-approved medicine specifically to treat tinnitus, likely due to the fact that the cause of tinnitus is often unknown. However, there are some medications your doctor may prescribe to treat an underlying cause or help manage symptoms, which may include:

Antibiotics

If a bacterial ear infection is causing tinnitus symptoms, your healthcare provider may prescribe an antibiotic, such as amoxicillin. Often, the symptoms will resolve once the infection goes away.  

Antidepressants

Tricyclic antidepressants are sometimes prescribed to people with chronic tinnitus who are experiencing depression. Some examples of tricyclic antidepressants include amitriptyline and nortriptyline.

Anti-anxiety medications

Anti-anxiety medications, such as the benzodiazepines Xanax (alprazolam) or Valium (diazepam), are sometimes prescribed to treat the stress and anxiety caused by tinnitus. Benzodiazepines are controlled substances and have a risk of abuse and dependence, so they require careful monitoring. 

Over-the-counter tinnitus medicine

There are no over-the-counter drugs that are FDA-approved to treat tinnitus. If you have certain underlying conditions, your healthcare provider may recommend an OTC drug to manage the condition. For example, if you have allergies that are contributing to tinnitus, your provider may recommend an antihistamine like Claritin (loratadine) and a nasal spray like Flonase (fluticasone). 

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