Tinnitius anyone? | Arthritis Information

 

This pesky problem started after about my 3rd dose of Humira.  I checked side effects and this was not listed.  It is not a constant ring, but rather a short, intermittent annoying "beeeep".  Okay, more "beeeep" and not so much "riiiiing".  I thought it was a computer problem for a while because I would here it late at night (all quiet in the house) when I was working.  What other medications are you taking?  Have you had an ear or sinus infection recently? I've had it as long as I can remember........... sorry. not med related in my case..

I've had intermittent tinnitus, thankfully not for awhile, and it is often related to anti-inflammatories.  I haven't heard of it being related to a biologic, but I suppose that's possible too.  Unfortunately tinnitus is one of those conditions where they don't have any really good treatments, except to stop whatever is causing it.  And in my case, stopping the anti-inflammatories isn't an option.  But Jas asks a good question about other meds and possible infections...

I take celebrex and have had a slight ringing in my ears for several years now.  I think it's from the med but have never been sure.  I've also had a mild ear infection though for a week or so now so that may be making mine worse.  But Jas does make an interesting point because ear infections do sometimes tend to follow sinusitis.  Other meds causing it may or may not be to blame as well.  I honestly didn't know this about NSAIDS until recently though. 

Bob and Waddie - Jas, I am on the following:  Humira, Trazadone, Skelexin (I take this maybe 3 times a week), Folic Acid, DHEA (25mg nightly for sleep as per RD), b complex, calcium, vit. d (tested, have low levels), biotin, fish oil and Tylenol arthritis. 

Innerglow, I never knew that about NSAIDS.  I can't take them anyway, (really bad GERD) but good to know.

Oh, and I do have a sort of chronic sinius issue, not infection but sort of stuffy mixed with clear runny.  Never made sense to me it could be both but whatever.  And, just for the sake of saying, normal (probably the only thing) blood pressure.  (Suddenly all sorts of 'normal' quips are running around in my head Have you seen an ENT?  Perhaps the chronic sinus congestion is causing problems with your ears?  Also, there is some evidence for autoimmune involvement in some hearing problems, though I don't know much about that.  I would start with an ENT recommended by your rheumatologist and/or primary care doc. Thank you Jas.  That is pretty much where I am headed, I'm thinking.  I never really though about autoimmune involvement (though I don't know why not! LOL) in hearing issues. 

Was that the phone... oh no, silly me....
For me, NSAIDs really set off the tinnitus.  Earplugs at night seem to help if I've been hitting the naproxen a bit too hard, though I don't know why.  Maybe they confuse the nerves in/around the ear canal.

Oh, and when I have an upper respiratory infection, my ears often get stuffed up too, and the tinnitus starts ringing.

As if dealing with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) wasn't enough, researchers agree that a link exists between RA and certain types of hearing loss that can blunt the perception of differing tones or make all noises and voices sound distant. Furthermore, they agree that hearing loss is an articulation of the disease itself--rather than drug toxicity from medications--but they still cannot entirely pinpoint how or where the hearing loss occurs.

Lynn,  I cleaned out my pm box!  Sorry It is perhaps surprising that more people on this forum don't have tinnitus. It is linked to any number of conditions - fatigue, stress, sleep problems, depression, anxiety, irritability. Can be caused from something as minor as ear wax build up to more serious. The most likely culprit is medications tho. Mayo clinic shows that antibiotics, cancer meds, quinine/cloroquine, aspirin, diuretics may cause this. Also a side effect of trazadone.
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