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Suggest Treatment For Tinnitus

Posted on Tue, 21 Jul 2015

Question: Hello,

I'm 43, male, healthy (no conditions, not on any medication, etc..).

I developed a very very faint and fairly constant ringing in my left eat about 2 weeks ago. No other symptoms, no pain, and the ringing is not really bothering me much as it's very subtle (but definitely noticeable especially in quiet environment).

So I just went to the ENT yesterday. He looked inside and saw everything looked normal. He then had me do a hearing test. It was normal, BUT he said that the left ear was slightly less effective than the right with high pitches and that it could be attributed to human error in the test. In the end, he prescribed Valtrex, an anti-viral medication.

I'm the type of person who thinks -- don't take medication unless really necessary. After reading about Valtrex (as being primarily for Herpes control) and all its side effects, I honestly feel his prescribing me Valtrex is overkill.

Is Valtrex viable and safe as a treatment for my ever so little ringing in my ear?
And if so, is it pretty heavy stuff in terms of side effects, etc..?
What is the risk if I do NOT take the Valtrex?
If it's viral, won't it just go away in time?

I attached my hearing test results...

Thanks, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please don't take Valtrex...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query and the reports

I have gone through history and examined the reports thoroughly. I am of the opinion that, the tinnitus could be related to the subtle pressure changes in the Eustachian tube (the tube connecting nose and the ear), rather than any viral infection.

As both the audiological reports are normal, I don't see any major pathology in the ear. I'm of the opinion that there can be subtle changes in the Eustachian tube which may be causing the pressure related variations in the middle ear and thus the tinnitus.

I don't recommend you to take the Valtrex. There is no role of antiviral medicines in your case.

My suggestions to you are:
1. First of all, avoid thinking that you are having tinnitus. The more you think about it, the worse it becomes. All humans have tinnitus in the calm environment and that is absolutely normal.
2. Do steam inhalation, this helps in reducing the congestion around the Eustachian tube and reduces the tinnitus.
3. Drink plenty of warm water.
4. Avoid chilled food and beverages, coffee and smoking.
5. Avoid listening to loud music and sounds.
6. Consume adequate fresh fruits and vegetables. Natural source of vitamins strengthen the inner ear nerves and reduces the tinnitus.

Hope this answers your query; revert back to me if you have any follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (2 hours later)

Thanks Doc :) I don't have anymore questions, so you can close this case.

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Wish you good health...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back

Wish you good health.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

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. Shanthi.E