Side Effect: Ringing in the Ears (Tinnitus)

What is Ringing in the Ears (Tinnitus)?

• Tinnitus, or a ringing in the ears, is a condition characterized by the perception of sound in the absence of an external source.
• The sound can vary in pitch, loudness, and quality, and can be continuous or intermittent.
• Tinnitus can affect one or both ears and can be caused by a variety of factors, including noise exposure, medication side effects, and underlying medical conditions.

What does Ringing in the Ears (Tinnitus) look like?

Tinnitus is different for every person but is often described as a ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other sound and can be heard in one or both ears.

Who gets Ringing in the Ears (Tinnitus)?

• Tinnitus can affect people of all ages, but it is most common in older adults who may already have hearing damage.
• Patients receiving treatment with platinum (carboplatin, cisplatin, oxaliplatin) or taxane (paclitaxel, docetaxel) based chemotherapy are at an increased risk.

How to prevent Ringing in the Ears (Tinnitus)

• To help prevent tinnitus, avoid exposure to loud noises and protect your ears from water which can sometimes lead to irritation and infection.
• Tinnitus caused by chemotherapy is often permanent so catching it early is extremely important.
• It is recommended that you have your hearing tested before and after chemotherapy.
  • If you experience any changes in hearing or ringing in your ears during treatment it is important to notify your physician right away.

How to treat Ringing in the Ears (Tinnitus)

• Treatments that can help to alleviate the symptoms of tinnitus include:
  • hearing aids
  • sound therapy
  • cognitive-behavioral therapy
• It is important to understand that these treatments will not stop the ringing in the ears. They are used to reduce the stress and emotional aspects of tinnitus.
• If conservative measures do not work do get rid of ringing in the ears, a specialized doctor known as an otolaryngologist may help to determine the exact cause and specific treatment needed.