Can hydrochlorothiazide cause tinnitus?

So, you’re sitting on your couch, enjoying the new episode of ‘The Bachelor’ and all of a sudden, you hear a persistent high-pitched ringing in your ear. Panic sets in as you start to wonder if it’s permanent or if anyone else can hear it. Before rushing to Dr.Google ™ for answers, take a deep breath and read this article where we will answer the question: can hydrochlorothiazide cause tinnitus?

What is Hydrochlorothiazide?

Hydrochlorothiazide, also known as HCTZ in the streets (not really), is a diuretic medication used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention caused by various health conditions such as heart failure and kidney disease. Diuretics work by increasing urine output thus reducing excess fluid from accumulating in the body.

While its primary function may seem straightforward enough, like most medications out there- HCTZ has several side effects that patients taking it need to watch out for. One of which is tinnitus.

What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus pronounced tin-eye-tus commonly referred to as “ringing” or “buzzing” but can also be described as hissing, whistling or humming sounds heard in one or both ears without any external source being present.

In other words – It’s noise that only YOU are hearing! Crazy right? If only people who suffer from tinnitus have an option to choose between different sounds just like choosing ringtones for their phones,

Just imagine – “Oh honey I think my phone’s ringing..” “But baby I don’t hear anything…” CUE LOUD RINGTONE SOUND COMING FROM ONE EAR Yeah..If only!

Back on topic..

Though not always serious , Tinnitus can interfere with daily life activities including sleep making those affected feel irritable and anxious.

How Common Is Tinnitus When Taking Hydrochlorothiazide?

Adverse reactions to medication varies from one individual to another. The same applies when it comes to HCTZ and tinnitus. In a study done by the National Health Insurance Service of South Korea, among those taking hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) as blood pressure medication – about 1 in every 23 people developed tinnitus whilst using the drug.

To better break it down- If ‘The Bachelor’ TV show had an audience of approximately 7 million viewers (insert dramatic gasp) and all of them were on HCTZ, “ringing in their ears” would only affect around 304,348 folks!

Jokes aside even though not everyone who takes this medication will develop tinnitus, if you do experience any unusual sounds like ringing or buzzing while taking hydrochlorothiazide -its important to seek medical attention right away for guidance.

alt text

Why Does Hydrochlorothiazide Cause Tinnitus?

While experts can’t seem to narrow down how exactly medications cause tinnitus- its been speculated that diuretics like HCTZ ,may alter fluid levels within tiny structures called hair cells located within the inner ear.
These hairs which are responsible for translating soundwaves into electrical signals that reach our brain and interpreted as sound need a delicate balance so they can work optimally. Any disruption could lead to hearing disorders such as… say it with me now..TINNNNITUS! 🙃

Risk Factors Influencing Development Of Tinnitus With Hydrochlorothiazide

Apart from Medication Overuse / Misuse Some factors increase risk of developing audio compromises :

  • Age- As people age, their tolerance to loud noises decreases as a result of ear damage accumulated throughout their lifetime making them vulnerable to tinnitus.

  • Gender- It’s said that Men are more likely than women to develop hearing problems.

  • Loud Noise Exposure- High volumes can cause direct physical injury by damaging delicate inner ear structures leading to either temporary or permanent auditory issues. Did you know turning up your headphones volume over 60 % could be detrimental?

What Can You Do To Prevent Tinnitus When Taking Hydrochlorothiazide?

If you’re already taking hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) and worried about developing tinnitus – Here are several things you can do :

  • Never change medication dosages without seeking professional medical advice. Self-medication is not the way forward.

  • If you’re taking HCTZ and want reassurance for whether it’s causing any deterioration in your overall health, then speak with a doctor who will advise on how best to take this medication.

  • Protect Your Hearing: Reduce Loud Noise exposure , Wear Ear protection whenever necessary.

## How Is Tinnitus Diagnosed And Treated?

If suspected of having tinnitus caused by hydrochlorothiazide ,your physician may conduct one or more tests such as performing an audiogram /hearing test .

Treatments vary depending on the severity of symptoms experienced but include Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Sound therapy where music/white noise is played into ears helping sufferers become less aware of ringing sounds.

Nevertheless in situations where symptoms linger for extended periods causing discomfort treatment is focused around eradicating potential causes like stopping usage of Hydrochlorothiazide.

In Conclusion:

While there isn’t enough evidence at present indicating that using HCTZ medication directly causes tinnitus – there have been reports from patients experiencing audible changes whilst taking it .It’s important therefore if starting new medication or continuing existing medicines – disclose all medical history including past medication usage to your provider so they can make informed decisions about medication allocation.

If you’re hearing strange sounds in your ears while taking hydrochlorothiazide, please don’t hesitate to call our friend Doctor Google ™ for research and further information. However your best bet remains seeking professional medical advice ASAP -Doctors always know best!

Also if anyone’s the obsessive type but finds it hard going through long paragraphs of text not en-grafted in jokingly humorous language ,Well..casually clears throat That’s All Folks!

Random Posts