Drugs and tinnitus: A review of a controversial matter

Abstract Tinnitus is a major problem for a significant proportion of the population, and at this time no specific pharmacological therapies are available. On the other hand, a number of pharmaceutical drugs are labelled as able to induce tinnitus. The list of the latter is reviewed, as well as the principal pharmacological proposals for relieving this symptom. Unexpectedly, some drugs that can be considered as a potential source of tinnitus, such as the angiotensin II receptor blockers, conversely seem to be the most favourable anti-hypertensive drugs from the audiological point of view, in order to maintain a steady blood perfusion to the inner ear. The problem of matching the necessity of preserving the homeostasis of a sensory organ with a terminal blood supply for which no specific pharmacological treatments are proposed, and to obtain a safe cardiocirculatory balance, is outlined. More generally, the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach in treating inner ear disorders that are not fully understood is considered.