Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Does Usage Of Clotrimazole Cause Tinnitus?
Question: I was just treated for an fungal infection. The physians assistant cleaned the ear with water and prescribed Clotrimazole. On the second application, I encountered serious burning. Speaking to the doctor's aide, they did not tell me to stop.
I've come to realize I have a perforated ear drum, and since have stopped the ear drops (day 3 of 7).
My hearing is muffled, have tinnatus, and a "wet sound". I believe there is Clotrimazole in the middle ear. I will be seeking the advice of a local ENT as quickly as possible.
Questions:
1. What is the damage caused by Clotrimazole to the middle ear?
2. How bad of a situation am I in?
3. Is this correctable?
4. What are my next steps?
Also, just recently had wisdom tooth pulled, so i am currently on amoxicillian and metropozidole.
I have an appt with an ENT later this week.
I've come to realize I have a perforated ear drum, and since have stopped the ear drops (day 3 of 7).
My hearing is muffled, have tinnatus, and a "wet sound". I believe there is Clotrimazole in the middle ear. I will be seeking the advice of a local ENT as quickly as possible.
Questions:
1. What is the damage caused by Clotrimazole to the middle ear?
2. How bad of a situation am I in?
3. Is this correctable?
4. What are my next steps?
Also, just recently had wisdom tooth pulled, so i am currently on amoxicillian and metropozidole.
I have an appt with an ENT later this week.
Brief Answer:
Clotrimazole is not ototoxic.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Clotrimazole is not ototoxic.
2. There burning pain, tinnitus, muffled hearing, the 'wet sound' is due to their drops entering them middle ear through their perforation. This is common. Some patients get burning with ear drops even without a perforation. This may also be due to flushing the ear with water.
3. This will settle down.
4. Stop the Clotrimazole and request a change of antifungal drops (such as fluconazole). Inform your doctor. Your doctor may also add medication (such as antibiotics, pain killers) as required.
I hope that I have answered your question. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Clotrimazole is not ototoxic.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Clotrimazole is not ototoxic.
2. There burning pain, tinnitus, muffled hearing, the 'wet sound' is due to their drops entering them middle ear through their perforation. This is common. Some patients get burning with ear drops even without a perforation. This may also be due to flushing the ear with water.
3. This will settle down.
4. Stop the Clotrimazole and request a change of antifungal drops (such as fluconazole). Inform your doctor. Your doctor may also add medication (such as antibiotics, pain killers) as required.
I hope that I have answered your question. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Thank you for the prompt and courteous reply.
I've stopped the Clotrimazole. My hearing in general has declined - more muffled and increased tinnatus.
Is that to be expected?
Thanks again .
I've stopped the Clotrimazole. My hearing in general has declined - more muffled and increased tinnatus.
Is that to be expected?
Thanks again .
Brief Answer:
Details as discussed below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Good to hear that you have stopped the clotrimazole.
2. Get the ear re-examined, cleaned (by suction and microscopy / endoscopy).
3. A hearing test (PTA / Pure Tone Audiometry) must be done.
4. Depending upon the findings, medication should be started to help clear the middle ear. Clotrimazole can be substituted with fluconazole if required. Let your doctor decide regarding these further actions.
5. The tinnitus should reduce with healing.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Details as discussed below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Good to hear that you have stopped the clotrimazole.
2. Get the ear re-examined, cleaned (by suction and microscopy / endoscopy).
3. A hearing test (PTA / Pure Tone Audiometry) must be done.
4. Depending upon the findings, medication should be started to help clear the middle ear. Clotrimazole can be substituted with fluconazole if required. Let your doctor decide regarding these further actions.
5. The tinnitus should reduce with healing.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Priyanka G Raj
So, meet with nurse practiioner this AM. Very compentent.
1. Discovered "20%" perforation.
2. Did an audio test. Inserted ear bud in each ear, applied pressure. That pushed the discharge into the middle ear, exposing the tear.
3. She's seen worse.
4. Told me Afrin 2x a day and Ciprodex 4 drops 2x day.
Told me if I keep the ear dry and we combat the infection, the perforation should heal on its own.
I'm to return next week for a followup. She didn't seem too terribly worried at this point.
Questions.
1. Do you agree with her approach regarding the medication?
2. Is a 20% tear large?
3. Do they normally heal -- assuming no infection and kept dry.
4. What's a conservative estimate for healing?
Many thanks. I appreciate your answers ... clear, concise, calm. Really gives a good peace of mind.
Thank you again.
XXXXX
PS FYI The Ciprodex isn't covered by insurance here in the US, and it's $200 a bottle. Ouch.
1. Discovered "20%" perforation.
2. Did an audio test. Inserted ear bud in each ear, applied pressure. That pushed the discharge into the middle ear, exposing the tear.
3. She's seen worse.
4. Told me Afrin 2x a day and Ciprodex 4 drops 2x day.
Told me if I keep the ear dry and we combat the infection, the perforation should heal on its own.
I'm to return next week for a followup. She didn't seem too terribly worried at this point.
Questions.
1. Do you agree with her approach regarding the medication?
2. Is a 20% tear large?
3. Do they normally heal -- assuming no infection and kept dry.
4. What's a conservative estimate for healing?
Many thanks. I appreciate your answers ... clear, concise, calm. Really gives a good peace of mind.
Thank you again.
XXXXX
PS FYI The Ciprodex isn't covered by insurance here in the US, and it's $200 a bottle. Ouch.
Brief Answer:
Details as discussed below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. I would add an antibiotic if Ciprodex drops are very expensive. An anti-allergic and an anti-inflammatory medication. Steam inhalation will also help.
2. A 20% tear is a small perforation.
3. Yes, they normally heal if the ear is kept dry and there is no infection.
4. Healing takes 5 to 6 weeks.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Details as discussed below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. I would add an antibiotic if Ciprodex drops are very expensive. An anti-allergic and an anti-inflammatory medication. Steam inhalation will also help.
2. A 20% tear is a small perforation.
3. Yes, they normally heal if the ear is kept dry and there is no infection.
4. Healing takes 5 to 6 weeks.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
