When you hear a persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing in your ears—especially if it shows up after starting a new medicine—you’re not imagining it. This is drug-induced tinnitus, a side effect caused by certain medications that damage the inner ear or affect nerve signals to the brain. Also known as ototoxic tinnitus, it’s more common than most people realize, and it’s often linked to everyday prescriptions and even over-the-counter drugs. You don’t need to be on strong chemotherapy to risk this. Even common painkillers, antibiotics, and blood pressure meds can trigger it. The good news? Many cases stop when you stop the drug. The bad news? Sometimes the damage sticks around.
Drugs that cause ringing in the ears don’t always do it the same way. Some, like high doses of aspirin, a widely used pain reliever and anti-inflammatory, can temporarily overload the inner ear’s fluid balance. Others, like certain antibiotics, such as gentamicin and vancomycin, which are used for serious infections, attack the tiny hair cells in your cochlea that turn sound into signals your brain understands. Once those cells die, they don’t grow back. Diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide, a common blood pressure pill, can also cause tinnitus by changing electrolyte levels in your inner ear. Even antidepressants like venlafaxine, used for depression and anxiety, have been reported to trigger ringing in some users. These aren’t rare side effects—they’re documented, predictable, and often overlooked.
It’s not just about the drug itself—it’s about dosage, how long you take it, and your body’s sensitivity. Someone taking a low dose of ibuprofen for a headache won’t get tinnitus. But someone on high-dose NSAIDs for arthritis for months? That’s a different story. Age, existing hearing loss, and kidney function also play a role. If you’ve noticed the ringing starting after a new medication, write down the name, dose, and when it began. Bring it to your doctor. Don’t stop cold turkey unless told to, but don’t ignore it either. Many of the posts below dive into specific drugs linked to this issue, what the research says, and how people have managed it. You’ll find real examples of which pills are most likely to cause trouble, what alternatives exist, and how to protect your hearing while still treating your condition.
Many medications can cause ringing in the ears as a side effect. Learn which drugs are most likely to trigger tinnitus, whether the damage is reversible, and what steps to take if you notice hearing changes after starting a new pill.
Nov, 7 2025
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