Inflammation causes pain, and reducing inflammation in the body helps to reduce pain. Although there are several ways to manage chronic inflammatory pain, it can be difficult for people with Tinnitus. This is because the most common method to treat inflammatory pain is the use of over-the-counter pain medications and/or opioids and often these types of medications can cause or worsen Tinnitus. 

If you suffer from Tinnitus and take pain medications you have two options, you can either deal with the side effects or find other methods to treat the pain you are suffering from. If you’re unsure about what the best pain management treatment path for you is, have a look below to learn more about the risks associated with pain medications and alternative methods to reduce chronic pain.

How Over-the-Counter Medications Affects Tinnitus

Common over-the-counter medications that fall within the Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) category are ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin. Tylenol is not considered an NSAID due to its lack of anti-inflammatory activity.  

All of these medications have hearing loss and Tinnitus listed as potential side effects. Although not everyone who takes these medications will experience hearing loss or develop or worsen Tinnitus, the risk is always there. The higher the dose and the more frequently these medications are taken, the greater the likelihood that these side effects will occur.

Tinnitus caused by these medications can sometimes be temporary but other times permanent. There is no way to know how it will affect your body, however, you can reduce your risk of hearing loss and Tinnitus by only using painkillers occasionally.

Prescription Opioids and How They Affect Tinnitus 

Just like with NSAIDs, all opioids can cause hearing loss and Tinnitus. Often opioids are prescribed in conjunction with over-the-counter pain medications which further increases the risk of experiencing side effects. The higher the dose and the longer you take it, the higher the risk for hearing loss or developing or worsening Tinnitus. 

Alternative Pain Remedies

There are other ways to manage chronic pain without using NSAIDs or opioids. Here are some alternative methods to help reduce chronic pain won’t cause hearing loss or Tinnitus:

  • Supplements: Taking a daily supplement like Tinnitus 911, which can be found here: https://tinnitus911.com/tinnitus-911-supplement/ can be an effective way to help stop headaches and migraines and reduce Tinnitus symptoms. Omega-3 fish oil is another supplement that can help with pain management because it helps to reduce inflammation. 
  •  Capsaicin: Naturally found in peppers, this natural remedy is an over-the-counter cream that can be found in most pharmacies. It works to reduce pain and inflammation from arthritis and other ailments by warming the skin and blocking pain messages to the brain. 
  • CBD: Thanks to new hemp laws in Colorado, California, and other places in the country, the availability of CBD products has skyrocketed. CBD does not have a psychoactive component like THC and can be effective at helping to reduce pain. It can also help to reduce anxiety which is a common symptom in people with Tinnitus.
  • Acupuncture: This centuries-old treatment method has been shown in studies to help reduce pain caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, back pain, and sports injuries. Some physicians have even reported that it has helped their patients to reduce their Tinnitus symptoms. 

Ways To Reduce Inflammation in the Body

Dietary changes such as eating more anti-inflammatory foods like wild salmon, berries, green/leafy vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and deeply pigmented produce such as sweet potatoes, can help to reduce inflammation in the body thus reducing pain. 

If you suffer from chronic pain and are concerned about worsening your Tinnitus, don’t opt for a pain reliever in your medicine cabinet just yet. Consider trying one of the above therapies, you could be doing wonders for your ear health!