A ringing in the ears, also known as tinnitus, is a common problem. People hear sound due to tiny, delicate hairs in the inner ear canal that shift in relation to the force of sound waves. This then trigger cells to release an electrical signal through a nerve from the ear to the brain. The brain interprets these signals as sound. When hairs inside the inner ear are broken or bent, they can accidentally trigger random electrical impulses the brain interprets as sound, causing tinnitus. Many medications can damage the ear causing or worsening tinnitus.
Antibiotics
Physicians often choose antibiotics to deal with common bacterial infections. Physicians also use medications such as erythromycin, tetracycline, vancomycin and bleomycin in large doses or over long periods to treat patients with serious blood infections such as Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA. Patients may experience a ringing or buzzing in the ears or a feeling of fullness in the ears. In some cases, this may lead to a temporary or permanent loss of hearing. The MayoClinic.com warns that other side effects of these antibiotics include sore throat, weakness, chills, coughing, drowsiness, fever, nausea and vomiting. Patients experiencing a ringing in the ears while taking these medications should alert physicians as it may be necessary to lower or change the medication.
Cancer Medications
Chemotherapy drugs kill cancer by targeting cells in the body that rapidly reproduce like cancer cells. This may lead to the killing off of healthy cells causing side effects to the medications. Chemotherapy medications such as vincristine and mechlorethamine may cause a ringing in the ears and in rare cases may lead to permanent hearing loss. According to the American Cancer Society, chemotherapy medications have many side effects including hair loss, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, increased risk of infection, increased risk of bleeding and shortness of breath. Patients experiencing these side effects often must weigh the benefit of the treatment against the possibly risks of the medications side effects. Cancer physicians often discuss at length how to lessen side effects of medications prior to treatment.
Diuretics
Physicians often prescribe diuretics to help treat fluid retention caused by congestive heart failure, liver disease or other medical conditions. Diuretics work by acting on the kidneys to increase urine production. Diuretic medications include furosemide, bumetanide and ethacrynic. Side effects of diuretics are rare but may include chest pain, chills, a ringing in the ears, fever, headache, lower back or side pain, sore throat and wheezing.
