Tinnitus refers to the perception of a noise--often a buzzing or ringing sound--with no source for the noise. It's often associated with hearing loss, though it may also indicate an underlying problem with a person's blood vessels or nerves. It can be extremely annoying and interfere with a person's quality of life. Treatment often involves helping to improve quality of life by addressing associated conditions such as depression. However, several tinnitus-specific medications have been found to be somewhat helpful.
Misoprostol
Misoprostol is a medication that's related to the hormone prostoglandin. A 2004 study compared two groups of patients. Twenty-eight were given this medication and 12 were given an inactive medication. In this study, patients taking the misoprostol reported a significant decrease in the perceived loudness of the tinnitus; however, between the two groups no significant differences in overall improvement were noted. The authors of this study concluded that misoprostol may help some patients but suggest that more studies with larger number of subjects must be done.
Intravenous Lidocaine
Lidocaine is a medication that's often used as an anesthetic. A 1992 review of previous studies on the treatment of tinnitus found that when lidocaine is given to a patient intravenously (IV), improvement is noted in 50 percent to 75 percent of patients. However, there are two disadvantages to this treatment: First, the patient cannot be in control of the treatment;; he must be seen by a physician in order to get treated. Second, the beneficial effects of the lidocaine administration don't last long. However, if patients are having severe quality of life issues and want at least a respite from their tinnitus, IV lidocaine may be a potential help.
Intratympanic Injection of Dexamethasone
Dexamethasone is a steroid medication that has anti-inflammatory properties. A 2005 study investigated the use of this medication in treating tinnitus. Dexamethasone was injected into the eardrum. This study, which involved 22 patients, concluded that of the 11 given dexamethasone, 48 percent reported some improvement in their tinnitus, compared with 20 percent of the patients receiving an injection of an inactive liquid. Similar to the situation with misoprostol, the conclusion that may be drawn is that for some patients, dexamethasone injection may help their tinnitus but that more studies must be done.
Antidepressants
According to Lawrence R. Lustig, M.D., and Joshua Schindler, M.D., writing in the textbook "Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment," one of the medical treatments that has been found to be effective for tinnitus is using an antidepressant such as nortriptyline. The advantage is that patients can treat their tinnitus at home, without relying on a physician or other health care provider to administer the treatment. The disadvantage is that, as with any medication, side effects are possible. In the case of nortriptyline, possible side effects include increased heart rate, rashes, itching, drowsiness, elevated blood sugar levels, nausea and vomiting, and numbness and tingling of the arms or legs. Also, tinnitus may itself be a side effect of antidepressants.
References
- "Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery"; Misoprostol in the treatment of tinnitus: a double-blind study; I. Yilmaz et. al.; May 2004
- "American Journal of Otolaryngology"; Review of pharmacologic treatment of tinnitus; K. Murai et. al.; September 1992
- "Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery";Dexamethasone inner ear perfusion by intratympanic injection in unilateral Meniere's disease: a two-year prospective, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial; M.A. Garduno-Anaya et. al.; August 2005
- "Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment"; Stephen J. McPhee, Maxine A. Papadakis; 2010
- "UpToDate"; Denise S. Basow; 2010
