Lisinopril is a commonly prescribed medication for managing high blood pressure and various heart conditions. Patients often look for information about potential side effects when starting a new medication. Among potential concerns, tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is a symptom some individuals inquire about.
Understanding Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external sound is present. This phantom noise can manifest as ringing, buzzing, roaring, clicking, or hissing. It can be persistent or intermittent, with intensity sometimes influenced by environmental factors or overall health. Tinnitus often stems from an underlying condition, rather than being a disease itself. Common causes unrelated to medication include age-related hearing loss, exposure to loud noises, earwax blockages, ear infections, head or neck injuries, or conditions like Ménière’s disease.
Lisinopril as a Potential Cause
While tinnitus is not a frequently reported side effect of lisinopril, it has been noted in some patients taking this medication. Lisinopril belongs to a class of drugs known as Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which are sometimes considered ototoxic, meaning they can potentially affect the auditory system. The exact mechanism by which ACE inhibitors might cause tinnitus is not fully understood, but it is considered a rare adverse event. Some reports suggest that between 1 in 10 to 1 in 100 people taking ACE inhibitors might experience this side effect. Not every person taking lisinopril will develop tinnitus, and its occurrence is infrequent.
What to Do About Tinnitus While on Lisinopril
If you are taking lisinopril and begin to experience tinnitus, consult your healthcare provider promptly. Do not discontinue your medication without medical advice, as stopping treatment for high blood pressure can have serious health consequences. Your doctor can assess your symptoms and determine if there is a possible link between your tinnitus and lisinopril, potentially adjusting your dosage or exploring alternative medications if appropriate.
Beyond medication adjustments, various strategies can help manage tinnitus symptoms. These include sound therapy, such as white noise machines or devices that produce environmental sounds to mask the tinnitus. Counseling, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT), can provide coping techniques to make symptoms less bothersome. Working closely with your healthcare provider ensures effective tinnitus management while your underlying health condition is addressed.