Ringing in Ears: Causes, Links to Medications, and What You Can Do

When you hear a constant ring, buzz, or hiss in your ears with no outside source, you're dealing with tinnitus, a condition where the brain perceives sound without external input. Also known as ringing in ears, it affects over 15% of adults and often shows up after long-term use of certain drugs or as a sign of hearing damage. It’s not a disease itself—but a symptom. And the triggers? They’re often hiding in plain sight.

Many people don’t realize that common prescriptions can cause or worsen tinnitus. For example, atenolol, a beta blocker used for high blood pressure, has been linked to ear noise in some users, especially when electrolyte levels drop. Cyclophosphamide, a chemotherapy drug, and even methoxsalen, used for skin conditions, carry warnings about hearing changes. You don’t need to stop your meds—but you do need to know if your tinnitus could be a side effect.

It’s not just about drugs. Tinnitus often ties into hearing loss, stress, or even gut health. Some research suggests inflammation from digestive issues can affect the nerves connected to your ears. That’s why treatments that help with bloating or gut inflammation, like those discussed for meteorism in the elderly, a condition involving excess gas and abdominal pressure, might indirectly help ear noise too. Even cholesterol drugs like cholestyramine, a bile acid sequestrant, have shown early promise in reducing joint and possibly ear inflammation.

What you’ll find here are real posts that connect the dots between medications, health conditions, and ear noise. You’ll see how common drugs like statins, antibiotics, and pain relievers may play a role. You’ll learn what to ask your doctor if the ringing started after a new prescription. And you’ll find out which supplements or lifestyle changes actually help—without promising miracle cures.