by Neil Bauman, Ph.D.
A medical doctor contacted me because he had a weird set of symptoms. A few times a year he would suddenly get loud tinnitus in one ear that seemed to come out of nowhere and for no reason. Then his hearing would begin to fade away. This would last an hour or two, then his tinnitus would start to go away and his hearing would come back. This scared him. He had been to his doctors, and ear specialists, and had an MRI done, but no one could help him.
He began searching for answers himself. One day he was on the Center’s website reading an article I had written about tinnitus and decided to phone me. He explained his symptoms and asked me if I had any insight as to what might be the cause. As is my custom, I immediately thought “drugs”, but he said he wasn’t taking any. After some time discussing his symptoms and ruling out various other things, I asked him again whether he was taking any drugs.
He said, “Oops—I just remembered that I am taking Atenolol, and have been on it for some years.” Right away something clicked in my mind about this drug and his symptoms. I related some similar accounts of what other people on this same drug had experienced.
For example, I told him of a man who explained,
I have been taking Atenolol for about 3 years with no ill effects—until recently. Over the last month the hearing in my left ear has come and gone—and now there is a constant ringing. I went off the Atenolol for about a week, and my hearing returned about 75%. I took another 25 mg. of Atenolol this morning, and the ringing returned along with the associated loss of hearing in my left ear.
I told him about Peggy, who was prescribed Atenolol and suffered serious ototoxic side effects. She wrote,
I was given Atenolol for some little irregular heart-beats. Within a few days, my perfectly normal ears started to give me all kinds of noise, roaring and muffledness. Within a week, I woke up one morning stone cold deaf in one ear. I had pressure in my head so extreme that it felt like my head was stuffed with bricks. The hearing in my other ear was distorted.
I also told him about a man who lamented,
I started taking Atenolol in November, 2005. In June, 2007, out of nowhere, tinnitus kicked in and never left.
I told him of another man who reported that he got tinnitus “some years after my doctor prescribed Atenolol for high blood pressure”.
Finally, I told him of yet another man who explained: “In November I was given Atenolol. By December I had vertigo, right ear hearing loss, short term memory problems and anxiety issues.”
Immediately, he realized that the weird symptoms he had experienced were similar to what these other people had experienced, and that it had to be the Atenolol that was causing his problems. As a result, he declared that he was going to his doctor and get his prescription changed at once.
If you have been taking Atenolol for some time—months or years—and begin experiencing weird tinnitus and/or episodes of hearing loss/distorted hearing, maybe you should consider whether the Atenolol you are taking might be the culprit and do as this doctor did and get of that drug. Your ears will love you for it!
If anyone reading this has experienced weird episodes of tinnitus and/or hearing loss from taking Atenolol, I’d love to hear from you.
Don’t let ototoxic drugs inadvertently damage your ears. Learn which drugs are (or can be) ototoxic. The book Ototoxic Drugs Exposed contains information on the ototoxicity of 877 drugs, 35 herbals and 148 chemicals.
Left ear has beenweak for years. In November I had to turn up my hearing aid. Went to my ENT and he perscribed steroid for 10 days and it helped. 2 weeks later I was stone deaf in left ear.
Could Atenolol have caused this?
I have been taking this medication since 2005 till now, All of a sudden with in two months I have found the problem to my both ears and since then it has been continuing. I have done CT scan and audio tests seems fine but not finding proper cause. Now I decided to go through MRA and MRV at the same time I am going to talk about this medicine side effect with my cardiologist that may causes the same. I would like to change my medicine before going through testing procedure, lets hope for the best. Thanks for sharing your problem can save other.
I have been taking Atenolol(37.5 mg daily) for two years. I also take Amlodipine-besylate (5mg)for high BP and tachycardia. Tinnitus struck only at night after 9 months on the atenolol. I live in Central Florida near Orlando. The tinnitus has only bothered me during Winter months so far. I was surprised when it went away during summer after about six months bothering me. Then less surprised when the colder weather came and back came the tinnitus (sometimes our cold gets below freezing,unlike South Florida–summers are highly tropical temps). Like others commenting here, I have been diagnosed with hearing loss(in the left ear, the ear affected with tinnitus). Usually the tinnitus bothers me at night only, and into the early morning. Rarely has it bothered me during daytime. Ambient noise is low often, even at times when Tinnitus doesn’t bother me. Any reports of seasonal tinnitus from those on atenolol? Can combination of atenolol with amlodipine contribute to the tinnitus ?
I have taken 50 mgs of atenolol daily for nearly twenty years.
I just recently learned that I may not be taking it
any more. Shortly after beginning the medication
my hearing deteriorated rapidly. Because my mother
had hearing problems, I assumed it was my destiny.
(Interestingly enough she has taken Atenolol for
many years!). I am hoping that my hearing might improve
now that I’m off atenolol!!!!!
Has your hearing improved, Dorothy? I take 100mgs for at least 10 years and the f’n ringing seems to be a bit louder now. Scary.
What are you taking to replace atenolol? I am suffering the same hearing loss and loud ringing.
²My ear is ringing. I have been taking that medication for years.
Hi Taylor:
How long after you began taking the Atenolol did your tinnitus appear?
Cordially,
Neil
I have been taking 50mgs daily for months now and I have BAD episodes of popping and ringing in my left ear only. The tinnitus is constant, but gets louder at times. I have seen a specialist and do have hearing loss in this ear. I feel angry that Atenolol caused this and wonder if there is not some legal recourse.
Atenolol is a derivative of something!But what could that be.Perhaps that is the problem.I am talking about allergies of course.
Does any one know where Atenolol comes from ?
Dennis
Is it a mold or soy derivative? very common allergens
I started on Atenolol three weeks ago. 25mg at first then to a higher dose now back to 25mg. Severe ringing in both ears. I am going to as my doc to start tapering me off. My ears were great before. Now I feel like I am in a bell factory…
I’ve been on Atenolol (100mg) for 5 years. I’ve had ringing in both ears, and recently, I’ve had high frequency hearing loss in both ears. It happened overnight, and has been ongoing for the last 2 weeks. I’m freaking out, because I wasn’t exposed to any loud noise! I am going to my doctor this week to see what he thinks.
Please report back your progress! I too have been taking 100 mg for years and years. I too have the ringing in both ears and getting louder.
Hi Mark
Did you stop the Atenolol and how are your ears. My left ear is driving me crazy
Having the same problem – after 5+ years of Atenolol 25mg my doc upped my dosage to 50mg, as my BP was not staying as low anymore. After less than a week on 50mg, I started having tinitus and then my left ear lost high frequency hearing. My right ear has som high freq loss as well, but not nearly as noticeable as the left ear. I talked to my doc about it. And though he doesn’t believe Atenolol is to blame, he did change my script to lisinopril. I’ve been on it for a week now and so far so good with controlling BP. However, no change to my hearing situation. Has anyone heard of hearing returning after getting off Atenolol? (no pun intended)
If you develop a nasty cough after using Lisinopril for a while that won’t go, then it may be the Lisinopril. This happened to me. Once an A.C.E. cough begins then the only thing to do is discontinue it and try an alternative. (I was put on losartan potassium which did the trick)
I had severe cough with lisinopril. skip the medicine but it took almost 2 weeks to recover
dear sir, ia m taking atenolol for 15 years, i did not much problems, once i got s.v.t ,so doctor told not to stop it . so that they gave me now additional them4o, i started to take after one week i started to get left ear some pressure, then rt ear to started . i did not go to doctor. i can not stop atenolol, if i did not take my heart beat will be more . is there any tablet substiute for atenolol, thanks, please reply for me. thanks
Hi,
I too have had really serious side effects from taking “Atenolol”! Mine started about a year ago when all of a sudden I just lost hearing in my left ear. I went to bed and the next morning it was back to normal, however a few months later I started to develop ringing and hissing in my right ear. Up until about 6 weeks ago 8-10-12, all of a sudden I felt an intense pressure in my head and my pulse was dropping dangerously low ( about 35bps) at rest. My normal at rest pulse should be in the 70 to 80bps range. I went into the Emergency room 4 times within a 2 week period. One Doctor finally told me that they thought it was due to the Atenolol. I have been off of it completely now for almost 2 weeks and I have noticed a huge change in the way I feel, i.e. just a little bit of the fullness in the left side of my head and a little bit of tinnitus in the left ear. I can totally relate to the comment of the person who said “That her head felt like it was full of bricks”! My symptoms were so severe that I was becoming suicidle over it. I couldn’t think straight, concentrate, short term memory problems all due to this crappy drug. I would certainly join a class action lawsuit over this if someone started one. I can’t tell you how bad it actually made me feel and when you go to the hospital ER they look at you like your making this stuff up. I am hoping that within a few more weeks of being off the Atenolol I will be getting even better. If you are taking this stuff I would seriously talk to your PCP and have them get you on to something different or have them just stop having you take it altogether!
By the way I was on 100mg once a day for 4 years before all this stuff started. Now I am actually afraid to start a new high blood pressure med.
Good Luck to all of you who are out there suffering with these symptoms.
I have been taking Atenolol for 10 years. Just got the Pfizer shot and the tinnitus started right away. Has not going away for a month and a half . First the left ear now the right is starting. Loud hiss.
Hi,
Sorry in my last post I stated that my pulse had dropped to 35bps. It’s actually 35 (beats per minute)!
Sorry I am still getting over the effects of the Atenolol. Not thinking clearly was another symptom as well.
Cheers
I was taking Atenolol 10mg for 8 years. I stopped about 3 years ago and within a week my left ear began ringing. It is bad for a couple of days, then virtually dissapears for a day or two. Then comes back. It has been this same cylce since day 1. It seems to be associated with sleep somehow. I will go to bed without any ringing, then wake up with it ringing. And vice-versa. My ear never changes conditions while I’m awake, only during sleep.
I was taking Atenolol 25mg since November 2011, using the real drug Tenormin to start off, then going to Mylan Generic, then a month ago my pharmacy gave me the Ranbaxy Generic. Since I started that generic brand Ranbaxy, I had a bad ringing in the ear, with a feeling like cold air blowing out of my ear and erratic hearing, sometimes muffled, sometimes loud and distorted. Naproxen gave relief to all symptoms but the ringing. I stopped Atenolol for 2 days then symptoms went away. I started back up on Atenolol and the next morning I woke up with the same symptoms.
If it is a coincidence, I had a MRI with Contrast on 3/26/13 for Left wrist to detect torn cartilage, I had the same exact reaction in my ears 15 minutes after being shot up with the Dye contrast. I understand some generic brands use dyes as non-active ingredients.
I am going to start the real Tenormin 25 mg in two days and see if the side effect comes back.
Hi George:
I’d be careful of any Ranbaxy drugs as they have not met the FDA standards for some time now according to my information. It’s possible that you are getting too high a dose or something. I hear from people that take more than 25 mg of Atenolol and get tinnitus. At 25 mg or below, the incidence of tinnitus drops.
The MRI contrast drugs beginning with “Gad” all have tinnitus listed as a side effect.
Regards
Neil
Wow! I’m in shock right now and freaked out as well. I have been taking this for 3 years and I too am having this intense ringing in my ears. I never thought the silence could be so loud! I also experienced a hissing sound but only once so far. I thought the hissing was something in the house or outside the window. My hearing has faded in and out. Thought I’d see if this was a side effect of atenalol and im absolutely stunned. I also have small sores in the same spot just on the start of the hole in my ears. Has anyone experienced the sores? Totally with anyone on a lawsuit.
I feel that atenolol does cause tinnitus. It is important to investigate this problem from the molecular point of view. How does the molecular structure of atenolol have effect on the vestibular system and on the chemicals involved in the physiology of hearing?. This kind of information can throw light on the molecular and physiological mechanism which gives rise to tinnitus.athe next problem to be solved is how to shift from atenolol to other non ototoxic drug for controlling hypertension without encountering any risk in the process.Mahendra Awode PhD (Chemistry)
Have you gotten a reply? These are some of my questions too.Id be very interested to know what you’ve heard from a specialist as well.i have been taking atenolol for years and two months ago my Dr. Upped my doze to 25mg and since my tinnitus has gotten worse.please reply back with your findings. Thank you
I have been taking Atenolol 50mg for about 5 years and have had ringing, fullness, hearing loss and dizzyness for about 3 years in my left ear only. My doctor and a specialist kept thinking I had an inner ear infection but antibiotics never did a thing. Doing online research, I was convinced I had Meniere’s Disease until I found that Atenolol can cause the same symptoms resulting in people being misdiagnosed with Meniere’s. Finally RUNNING back to my doctor to get of the Atenolol! Now praying there is no permanent damage.
Started tenormin-50mg in 1982 higher pulse rate associated with elevated BP has been controlled few extra beats occasionally -went generic and have different mfgr supplied by Walmart $10 — 90 day supply several years ago noticed ear noise hiss etc
Had a bout with vertigo went to ear nose throat specialist – did ear testing left ear had high freq loss more than in right the imbalanced loss concerned them had MRI to rule out nerve damage nothing abnormal showed up – had 1 year follow up hearing test no worse
The diagnosis of tinnitus was confirmed 8-9 kHz hiss
Asked specialist & family dr what cause – unknown- no loud noise from job or music
Searched internet recently and found your site – just had yearly physical and asked dr about taking baby aspirin 81 mg and the atenolol –
Just given prescription for Diltiazem 240 mg caps daily to try to see if symptom & tinnitus sub side
Please send me email I will fill you in of the result if any
I have been trying to figure out why my hearing has gotten worse. I’m only 45. I was recently put on 50mg of atenolol and experience constant ringing in my ears. Without the increased med, I have a balance problem and sometimes can’t walk where I want to.
Hi Lisa:
Taking Atenolol can cause both hearing loss and tinnitus. I’ve heard from numbers of people that have found this out to their sorrow. You should ask your doctor for a different medication that does not bother your ears. The good news is that ototoxic side effects from taking Atenolol may be temporary and go away after your stop taking this drug. However, for some people they prove to be permanent.
Regards
Neil
I have been taking atenolol for a few years, about five years ago my ears started having a “full” sensation. I thought it was allergies, my MD prescribed nose spray, and antihistamines, it continually got worse and I had a few bouts of vertigo here and there, started to see my MD with complaints of the Vertigo, was sent to an ENT and diagnosed with Manieres disease, I came across this website and feel now that the atenolol is the cause, my ENT doesn’t seem to think so and I went to my family MD. He said it is very very rare, told me to take the hydrochlorothiazide which I am afraid will cause the same thing. The ringing and noise was almost unbearable. The vertigo was coming on closer and closer together. ENT even injected prednisone in ear to no avail. After 5 days off the atenolol I do feel that I can hear better and the noise has somewhat calmed down at least to be tolerable. I am praying that all of the symptoms go away, thank you everyone for posting. Just don’t understand why the doctors seemed to feel this isn’t what is causing the problem.
my husband has been on atenolol,50mg for over 14 years
he is almost deaf in his left ear
could this be the effects of this drug
he was on statins took himself of them because of bad side effects
he is also on Amlodipine 10mg,Ramipril 10mg,Aspirin 75mg
Hi Linda:
Atenolol can certainly cause hearing loss. It is a weird drug in that you can be symptom-free for years before the side effects kick in. It is possible that your husband’s hearing loss is caused by the Atenolol. The good news is that some people who have gone off Atenolol have found that some or much of their hearing has returned. So that is something it might want to try.
Various statin drugs can also cause hearing loss.
Amlodipine is not listed as causing hearing loss, but it can cause tinnitus.
Ramipril can cause hearing loss. In some cases, once you go off the drug, in 2 or 3 weeks your hearing comes back. So that is another drug he may want to get off and see what happens to his ears.
Unless he is particularly sensitive to Aspirin, 75 mg of Aspirin shouldn’t cause hearing loss or tinnitus. Higher doses can. The good news is that if your hearing loss and tinnitus are due to the Aspirin, once you stop taking the Aspirin, in a few days the tinnitus goes away and hearing returns.
Regards
Neil
Hello, I just today came upon your site as I have been questioning my current medications with regard to Tinnitus and High Frequency Hearing Loss. I have been on Atenelol (for Tenormin) for a very long time. I have also been on Celexa. I thought it was the Celexa causing the Tinnitus, and I have beentrying to taper it down, but seem to have run into some problems with that. My sadness has returned and I am caught between trying to solve the Tinnitus problem, or taking the meds. Now I see the Blood Pressure Meds could be causing the problem. I have had the Tinnitus in my right ear, with high frequency hearing loss as well, for about two years. Now I think I need to regroup and see about the Atenelol. I take 50 mg. a day. This Tinnitus has caused me so many problems. Constant sound, sometimes like a train going through my head. I have seen two ENT’s, they say nothing can be done. The MRI was negative. I cannot stop taking my blood pressure medication, have been on it since I was 38, although not the same medication. I am now 69. ( I also take Lipitor, 20 mg. Celebrex for Arthritis, Gabapentin for Pinched Nerve and tingling in arm, 1/2 asp. per day, and Singulair for allergies. Plus Ativan for anxiety)
I am so relieved to find this website. Thank you, Dr. Neil Bauman and all commenting here.
A week ago I began taking Atenolol (Tenormin) for HBP. My dear Mother had taken it for many years and was fine with it. So my doctor thought I should be OK, too. Within 3 days of taking it, I awoke in the middle of the night to a horrid vertigo/dizziness. I was extremely disoriented and could barely walk so my dear cousin’s husband came and picked me up and took me to their home. Thankfully, my cousin is a nurse. I am still here a week later as the dizziness continues although it has improved. I stopped the damn Atenolol at the end of last week after taking it for about a week. I have ear pain, tinnitus and the dizziness. Years ago I suffered vestibular neuritis, very severe, and vertigo in the same ear (left), likely due to herpes zoster reactivation. Now I am concerned about when this left ear pain, dizziness and tinnitus will go away, mainly the dizziness as it is improving but still concerning as regards driving a car. I hope to hear (!) that it will heal as I wasn’t on the dreaded drug long. I knew this drug was the culprit, despite two doctors telling me it wouldn’t make me dizzy, etc. I have HBP and must act but have decided to pursue alternative means. No more of those meds for me. Thank you again for this website and for allowing me to post. Best wishes to all.
I could not believe my eyes when I read your site. I take 12.5 mg of Atenolol for the last two are so years. In the last two three months my ears have been ringing off and on and I get a hissing sound in the right one every now and then also my hearing would be off one day and ok the next . Went to Dr several times no ear infections no fluid he said it must be my E tubes dysfunction. I really didn’t think so because I can pop them at will. I knew there had to be some other reason never thought about the Atenolol !!!! I think I just figured it out because the Dr look puzzled also because my ears looked clear. hummmmm I wont be taken Atenolol anymore and if some body sues them count me end . It has delt me some misery the last few months !
Wow, Jim!
Reading your post gave me chills. Im in exactly the same situation as you. Been taking 12,5 Tenormin for the last two years also. Been suffering from debilitating high frekvenzy T for the last 3 month. Please tell me you are better after you quit?
I will not take it enymore. Pray to God it will help with my T.
Dear Dr. Neil,
Thank you so much for enlightening us of this possible side effect of Atenolol.
I would so much like to get in touch with Jim who wrote the post previous to mine since the similarities to our problems are so alike.
Thank you so much!
My husband was put on Atenolol for High Blood Pressure although I was leary since we had once weaned him off a calcium channel blocker and related beta blockers onto MAGNESIUM for an arrythymia and we did not want him back on these drugs! Anyway, besides already having asthma (Atenolol not recommended), he is hard of hearing. It got much worse on Atenolol, also his breathing and his moods. This is intolerable as he was almost totally deaf. We are carefully weaning him off this dangerous drug which cannot be stopped suddenly without serious heart problems. We are trying some natural products like CoQ10, nattokinase, hawthorne as well as walking and lymph drainage massage. I like the article about the minitrampoline – he used that in the past and it worked, but you forget over the years. He also had major issues with low blood sugar and mood on Atenolol as well as fatigue on this and other drugs. Thanks for your website! How would we know otherwise???
I have been on atenolol for 3 months as I worked through upping my Synthroid…my heart doesn’t love the increase in levothyroxine and atenolol did help with the ectopics beats. However, I already have low blood pressure, so sometimes I would go too low. Within a weed, I got continuous tinnitus in my right ear and am VERY fatigued with the sensation of a very heavy head. I am down to only 5mgs daily and cannot wait to be off in 3 weeks or so.
I take 25 mg of atenolol. I do not have tinnitus, but my hearing is so bad, even with hearing aids, that I am giving up many activities. I am calling my doctor today to see about changing to another medication for slightly elevated blood pressure. Thank you all for these comments. I would be so thankful if I could hear again.
I have been on Atenolol for about 10 months now, as I read this blog I keep reading things about me and I have experienced all of the things that you folks have been describing, tinitus, hearing loss, presssure between the ears, dizziness, and some of the most frightening Vertigo. Thank god for this blog, it prompted me to see my Doctor, the bad thing is he doesn’t think the drug has this reputation and he thinks Menieres is the real culprit, how ever he took blood for tests and had me stop the drug and see if my symptoms get better in 3 weeks and come back for recheck
Hi Thomas:
Since your doctor doesn’t think the drug has this reputation, he’s obviously not very bright is he? He could read all the comments hear and get an education. Doctors are too willing to attribute the side effects of the drugs they prescribe to other things, rather than admit they were responsible for your problems.
When did all your symptoms start–before you began the Atenolol? If so, it COULD be Meniere’s. However, if they started AFTER you started the Atenolol, then it is almost certainly the result of this drug and not Meniere’s.
Cordially,
Neil
Hi Doctor Bauman, Thanks for your reply, I did mention your site to him and he didn’t seem interested, he made the comment that the drug has been around for about 50 years and if it had that reputation everyone would know about it by now. I started out on atenolol at 25 miiligrams back in Febuary of 2015, it would not control my skipping heart beat for the whole day so he upped my dose to 25 milligrams twice a day, I have always had a small amount of tinnitus but after about 3 months it started to get worse, and the pressure on my ears was noticable, I have always delt with sinus issues as well, so i wasnt putting things together till I had some of the worst vertigo episodes, I thought I was poisened some how, severe vomiting every time I would move. and my family was telling me I say huh? all the time. After reading this site I vowed to get off the drug, 1 week off now and pressure is off my ears, heart still skips beats alot, about 1 in 8 Tinnitus is still bad and hearing has changed a bit better. Is Atenolol on a list of ototoxic drugs? are there some better alternitives for my skipping beats?
Hi Thomas:
Your doctor’s thinking that since the drug has been around for a long time, “everyone” would know about any ototoxic side effects by now just proves the point–that “everyone” DOESN’T know about its ototoxicity, including him. It’s time he got himself up to date on the subject. Unfortunately, too many doctors think the same way as he does–so the side effects seldom get reported and thus it looks like this drug isn’t very ototoxic.
I’ve heard from numbers of people besides what I reported in this article. Their stories will be in the 4th edition of my drug book whenever it comes out.
As far as I know, hearing loss is not reported in any drug books (apart from mine) and tinnitus is only reported in the Canadian CPS plus my books.
Ataxia, dizziness and vertigo are reported in the CPS and the latter two side effects are also reported the PDR.
I can’t answer your question about other drugs for skipping heart beats. That’s a question for your doctor. I don’t know what drugs doctors might prescribe for your condition.
Cordially,
Neil
Dear Dr. Neil,
I’ve been taking 25MG of Atenolol since July 2004 and since about three years ago began to experience hearing loss in my left ear. It gradually became worse and I also began to experience fullness in my left ear. I went to several ENT’s and the audio tests show hearing loss in my left ear. They all suggested a MRI with contrast which I have put off because of the contrast. The past several months I have begun to experience a pressure behind my left eye, pressure in my left temple and op of my head. This did come and go but recently it remained pretty steady day and night. My wife came across your site and I immediately stopped the Atenolol this Tuesday. I am feeling much better and the headaches, pressure in thee left temple and behind the left eye has all but disappeared. My cardiologist is fine with me stopping until I see him early January. I am still however taking 81mg of aspirin a day. I am scheduling the MRI and hope to have it done sometime in January just to be sure there is not anything else causing this issue. I am still skeptical of the contrast however each ENT says having the MRI without is useless.
Thanks for your site and all the information.
Sincerely
Vinny
Hi Vincent:
Since most of your symptoms went away within a week of stopping the Atenolol, to me that indicates the Atenolol was the cause of them. Thus, you may decide it doesn’t make sense to have the MRI now that the symptoms are gone, especially since you need contrast dyes to make it useful and the contrast dyes can cause more problems. I’d be interested in knowing whether your hearing begins to return now that you are off the Atenolol, or at least stops getting worse.
Cordially,
Neil
Hi Dr. Neil,
I finally had the MRI brain scan with contrast done yesterday at the VA – was called yesterday afternoon and the results were completely normal – no AN and no cancer. Still have these symptoms but at least ruled those out. Not sure what direction to go in now but keep going back to the sinus lift on the top left – the left ear is the one with the hearing loss. Still off the Atenolol and aspirin. Any ideas?
thanks
Vinny
Hi Vinny:
No new ideas. How long have you been off the Atenolol now? I’d give it a month and then see how you are feeling.
Are you still feeling better than you were when you were on the Atenolol?
Cordially,
Neil
Hi Dr. Neil, I’ve been off Atenolol for just under two weeks. The feeling of fullness fluctuate – possibly with the weather and barometric pressure. Feeling great some days though
Will stay off it for at least another two weeks and see how it goes.
thanks for replying
Vinny
Hi, I have been taking 25mg Atenolol for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy for 8 years. My hearing is starting to fail – especially where there is background noise – and I am only just 60 years old. Also, I have developed swelling in my fingers and ankles despite my heart condition being stable. Recently I have low back and hip pain, which I note is written up as a side effect of the drug too. Apart from it giving me asthma, I have no other complaints – lol. Has anyone else experienced reduced hearing without tinnitus – or been bothered by low back/hip pain ont his drug?
I have gone the gamut of many HBP meds and have landed on Atenolol and Losartan (Losartan for side effects giving me Gout). Because of many-many-many side-effects of previous meds Atenolol plus Losartin work somewhat since other HBP meds caused multiple probs. Now hearing loss, tinnitus, even ear aches and soar throat not experienced since chilhood zre prevalent. Tonsilectomy was done at since a childhood of six or so and no problem until I becan Atenolol — maybe a few days after I told my doctor I had an earache, He had his nurse use this blast thing in my ear because I hurt and could not hear. The next day I experienced my childhood earache and sore throat traumas I hadn’t experienced since tonsilectomy to my now 50+ years of age, and now have experienced it one other time last year when I caught a cold. What “woke up” this? Now I experience muffledness back and forth between each ear spontaneously and tinnitus constantly mostly in my dominant ear and when it is totally hear-less it transfers to my other ear, the pain etc.?
I have gone through many meds for HBP and have had so many side-effects — if med has 100 side-effects I have experienced at least 90 of them.
Hi my mother taking tab atenolol for 6 months and now since two days suffering from light headedness and falling due to loss of balance..please help
Hi There:
Why do you think the Atenolol is the culprit and not some other factor? If it is the Atenolol, then she needs to get off this drug. She should go to her doctor and get another medication that doesn’t cause these side effects.
Cordially,
Neil
I’ve been taking atenolol for about 4.5 years. This past year I started getting ear stuffiness and tinnitus. It has come and gone. My dose is very low, I take about 12 mg total most days and some days even less. Can a low dose cause this too?
Hi Jas:
I have no specific information on how high or low a dose can cause weird ear problems from taking Atenolol. Since we are all different, you could expect that some people are only bothered after taking high doses and others with low doses.
So don’t rule out such side effects of Atenolol just because you are on a lower dose.
Cordially,
Neil
I am only 49 and was switched from another bp medication to atenolol. Within four days, I was dizzy, confused, weak and experiencing chest tightness. The ringing in the ears was horrible too. I stopped two days ago and the ringing in the ears is still continuing but not as strong. I am not allergic to anything so to me this is a horrible drug! I could not function at work during these four days. I would not recommend this drug to anyone.
Thank you for this blog! I had the thought this morning that the “whooshing” tinnitus I have been experiencing for the past month may be a result of 20 years of taking a whole or half tablet of Atenolol daily. The fact that it was one ear only threw me off, but makes sense since I have TMJ and a tight left trapezius muscle for which I wear a night guard and get PT/chiropractic, but the circulation is obviously tighter on that side, so the toxins don’t flow out as easily. I am left handed. The doc kept me on atenolol because it kept my migraines at bay after my BP stabilized (was high during divorce). He told me it was s safe drug that has been around for so many years without side effects – hahaha. And, he also specializes in kidney conditions, so one would think he would be aware. Stopping the meds now – and grateful my tinnitus isn’t worse. (I saw my ENT last week about this. Six months ago, I had gone because I noticed my hearing wasn’t as sharp and, sure enough, high frequency sounds were not heard consistently, but hearing still considered to be in the normal range. When I returned this time, the hearing was the same, but the tinnitus was new. Even though he DOESN’T think I have it, he suggested an MRI now or in six months to rule out acoustic neuroma. My gut told me to wait – that I don’t have that. Hoping the reduction and then elimination of atenolol may help.
I was on a half tab of Atenelol per day for around 6 months due to irregular heart beat. While I was on the drug, I felt great. However after around 6 months, I noticed tinnitus in both ears. I did some googling and found a lot of anecdotal evidence linking Atenolol and Tinnitus, so I came off the drug over a couple of weeks. Unfortunately my tinnitus has not cleared up or improved. I’ve had the T for over a year now and it is like torture. I went to see a number of doctors, psychologists, chiropractor, hypnotherapist and even acupuncturist. Nothing has helped. I’ve had to start taking nightly anti-anxiety meds – Amiltriptyline – in order to get some sleep. I’m at wit’s end as to what to do now. Often feel anxiety and worry about slipping into depression. Any help would be greatly appreciated
Hi David:
Unfortunately, some drugs cause permanent tinnitus. But you need to be aware that maybe your problem is because you are taking the Amitriptyline–it causes “screaming” tinnitus in some people. So you may have exchanged one tinnitus-causing drug for another.
In many cases, getting control of your tinnitus is something you have to do yourself, not something a doctor does to you or for you. I strongly urge you to get my book on “Take Control of Your Tinnitus–Here’s How” and particularly take note of chapters 7 (on drugs and tinnitus) and 16 how to take control of your tinnitus. You can do this in conjunction with any other tinnitus treatments you may be on or try in the future. I’ve found this the best way to deal with tinnitus. You can get this book at http://hearinglosshelp.com/shop/take-control-of-your-tinnitus-heres-how/
Cordially,
Neil
I have been on atenenol for many years three or four years ago I got tenninitus been ringing in my right ear for all them years I’m gonna quit and see if it helps me
Hi Julie:
You’ll have to give it time to see whether your tinnitus will reduce in volume or fade away. Give it a least a month to see whether it makes an difference.
Cordially,
Neil
been on atenolol for around a year 50mg daily been so depressed now my ears are making roaring noises after i listen to music it goes on ages also sleep like i am in a coma during the day and so socialy reclusive cannot even talk to my kids sometimes doctor gave me 5mg diazipan but not helped jelly legs chest heavyness pain in lower spine all down to atenolol i am on it for high pulse 105 ish but all ecg are fine i am suicidle today i have just found your site thank god for you i am stopping this toxic crap i am female age 63
Thank you so much for creating this blog post. I have been having similar issues and was hoping you might have some advice.
I am a 38-year-old male. I was prescribed losartan for high blood pressure by my general practitioner about 14 weeks ago. After 3 weeks of being on losartan (and my blood pressure not noticeably changing), I was referred to a heart specialist who prescribed me to atenolol (25 mg) in addition to the losartan (50 mg). My blood pressure finally lowered to prehypertension for the first time in years (rather than stage 2). About 11 weeks ago, I started to notice what felt like a fullness in my left ear… almost like swimmers ear. Being in the music industry, I didn’t even think of it being the meds. I thought I had blown an ear drum, or damaged it somehow. I had hoped it would heal. 4 weeks go by and with no signs of progress I see another doctor who says my ear had a “dull” look to it and recommended Flonase. No help. Another couple weeks go by and am prescribed amoxicillin by another doctor. After this treatment was complete with no signs of progression I started to get seriously concerned. I tried to retrace my actions over the past few months. Finally, I thought about the 2 prescriptions – losartan and atenolol.
After doing my research (drugs.com) and looking at the side effects of both drugs, I found that Losartan had a significant number of symptoms that I was experiencing – ear congestion, nasal congestion, sore throat, headache, and even hearing loss. Surprisingly, atenolol didn’t have anything listed in regards to ear congestion (or similar). It wasn’t until I found this post that I discovered so many others experiencing the same symptoms while being on this drug.
After reading this post, I went back to the heart specialist who prescribed me to atenolol. Although he told me that he has never heard of anyone having the issues that I was experiencing from atenolol, he agreed to get me off of the drug and prescribed me to Diltiazem (90 mg) as an alternative blood pressure med. He told me to remain on Losartan and to also see an ENT specialist. I have been to the ENT but have not made any progress there – hearing tests and follow ups so far. I have only been off Atenolol for a few days… unfortunately no signs of progress yet.
I have many concerns:
While reading these comments, I see that a lot of people are experiencing similar symptoms, but have not seen anyone share their end results. Have you heard from any of your followers / commenters where they have healed after being off the drug for some time?
Is it possible that Losartan could ALSO be the culprit (knowing the side effects) and should I consider weaning off this drug as well?
Do I have anything to worry about with the new blood pressure med – Diltiazem (90 mg), as I see that this drug ALSO has congestion listed as a side effect.
After nearly 3 months of this fullness feeling in my ears, swimmers ear, congestion, headaches, the feeling of swollen glands, a rubbing sensation in my ear when I open my jaw…. Well, it is becoming unbearable. Hard to concentrate, work, and even speak sometimes. My symptoms do not come and go – they are consistent.
Any advice?
Thanks so much for your time and help. I feel that you are truly helping a lot of people.
Hi Jon:
Losartan can cause tinnitus as well as ataxia, dizziness and vertigo in numbers of people so it is definitely ototoxic. When you go off Losartan, you may find your tinnitus reduces in volume, but does not go away.
Atenolol can cause hearing loss, tinnitus, ataxia, dizziness and vertigo in numbers of people, although hearing loss is not listed as a side effect in the various drug books.
Diltiazem can cause tinnitus, ataxia, dizziness, vertigo and ear pain in numbers of people. The good news is that the resulting tinnitus appears to be temporary and may go away about two weeks after stopping taking this drug.
Numbers of people have told me that once they got off the Atenolol they started to feel much better. It can take a couple of weeks so you may still see good results in a bit.
I would definitely stay off Atenolol. One of the “funny” things about Atenolol is that side effects may not show up for several years. In some people it takes 12 years–and by then they don’t think the Atenolol is the culprit as surely the side effects would have shown up by then. But this is the way it is with Atenolol.
I’d say that given the choice between Atenolol and Diltiazem, I’d take the Diltiazem.
But you might want to consider taking Nebivolol rather than Atenolol if it will do the job as it is even less ototoxic than Diltiazem and is in the same class as Atenolol–which you know worked for your blood pressure. Other drugs in the same class as Atenolol that are only mildly ototoxic besides Nebivolol include Acebutolol, Carteolol, Celiprolol, Dilevalol, Levobunolol, Nadolol, Oxprenolol, Pindolol and Timolol so you have a good number of choices that are much better than Atenolol *and Diltiazem) and yet are in the same class (beta blockers) as Atenolol.
Note: in any case, take the lowest dose you can that works. Ototoxic side effects increase with the dose–so if possible, fly under the radar with a low dose if it works.
Cordially,
Neil
Great info, Neil! Thank you so much for the response.
I will address these with my heart doctor and take it from there.
I really appreciate the help.
Thanks again 🙂
Oh my gosh! Yea! My tinnitus is so bad I cannot think or sleep, and my hearing has faded. It has to be the medicine. It also caused my pulse to drop to 42, but my BP was still very high. I cut my dose to 50mg, and the bp/pulse issues are much better, but the tinnitus is just as bad. People who have never experienced this do not understand. It makes one feel crazy!
Hi my name is Connie. I wish I could copy and past a number of these articles to describe my tinnitus, dizziness and hearing loss. It was until I read these articles that I realized it’s the Atenolol. Since reading this article I’ve stopped the drug!
I started taking Diltiazem about 3 months ago. A month in, my dr bumped the rx up by 50%. Within 5 days I lost all hearing in my left ear down to 8%. I went to the ENT, my PCP, had an MRI, 2 shots in my eardum and went on a high dose of prednisone. Everytime I suggested it was the bump in medicine, it was brushed off. But I’m only 38 and I’ve never had any problems with my hearing. In fact, I had above-average hearing! Went back to my PA for a follow up on the bump in medicine and asked her to lower it back down as a last stitch effort to get my hearing back. She did. Went back a month later as a follow up and asked if I could be put on a water pill instead of the medicine. She did. I’ve been off the diltiazem for 4 days. Tonight, I was on the phone and switched ears, forgetting I was deaf in the other ear. I heard who I was talking to. Yes, there was some buzzing and she sounded very far away but I could make out what she was saying. Medicine is HORRIBLE and this is exactly why I hate taking it. I pray I get more if not all of it back. Nothing else helped except completely going off the medicine.
My dad started to take 25 mg of atenolol 3 months ago and began having ringing in both ears. After reading your blog yesterday, he stopped taking the drug. As I read in previous comments from Dr. Neil, I’ll evaluate him within 2-4weeks to see if there is an improvement. I really hope being off this drug can help my father with the ear ringing as I perceive can be very annoying.
Thanks Dr. Neil for being a real Doctor!
Hi Matt:
For your information, some people that have side effects with Atenolol when taking 25 mg per day find their side effects go away at 12.5 mg per day. I don’t know whether that will work in your dad’s case or not.
Let’s hope his tinnitus goes away now that he has stopped taking the Atenolol–but there are no guarantees.
Cordially,
Neil
Hola. Tomo atenolol hace 5 años. Actualmente tengo hipoacusia bilateral uso audífonos en ambos oídos. Me acabo de enterar que este medicamento me dejó sordo. Si lo dejo de tomar, podrá ser reversible el daño y recuperar un poco de audición?
Hi. I take atenolol 5 years ago. Currently I have bilateral hearing loss I use hearing aids in both ears. I just found out that this medication left me deaf. If I stop taking it, can the damage be reversed and a little hearing recovered?
Hi Hector:
There is a reasonable chance that if you stop taking the Atenolol that your hearing will come back (or at least some of it). I’ve heard from people that stopped taking Atenolol after 4 years and got most of their hearing back, so you could try stopping and see what happens in your case. I think it is certainly worth a try. Be sure to talk to your doctor about this and whether you need to taper off slowly, etc.
Cordially,
Neil
I was started on Azor (amilodipine/olmesartan) in sept or oct of 2018. then atenolol was add in late oct or early nov. i started having on off tinnitus. then in late nov it become constant. I stopped in on friday nov 30 .will wait about to week to see if it goes away.
I want to know! Did it go away?
I was switched from acebutolol to atenolol in late December 2018. Starting last week (Jan 25, 2019) my extremely mild tinnitus became a constant, extremely loud whine.
Will be visiting my doctor this week. So annoyed that acebutolol was discontinued by the manufacturers. Took it for years with zero side-effects. Since I stopped it, I have had side effects from two (whoops, it’s now THREE) other beta-blockers and am running out of options!
By the way, my tinnitus originally began while taking Zyban to quit smoking.
Hi SH:
Atenolol and Metoprolol are the two most ototoxic beta-blockers. So if I were you, I’d stay away from them. There are others that are far less ototoxic such as Acebutolol, but there are others such as Betaxolol, Nadolol, Labetalol and Nebivolol that are much less ototoxic. Have you tried them? You can find these drugs and other classes of anti-hypertensive drugs ranked by ototoxicity in my special report at http://hearinglosshelp.com/shop/the-relative-ototoxicity-of-anti-hypertensive-drugs/
Cordially,
Neil
Was on Bisoprolol for roughly a year…cardiologist kept increasing dosages as my heart rate was still high (although it got my EF back to normal) – one day woke up in the middle of the night with crazy noise in my head. Stops meds immediately after a couple weeks noise stopped – then read all these horror stories. Cardiologist suggested Atenolol instead. So what to do? Obviously all Beta blockers cause this issue – the alternative for me is a pacemaker.
Hi James:
Trading Atenolol for Bisoprolol is like jumping from the frying pan into the fire ir regards to their relative ototoxicity. Atenolol is the second most ototoxic beta-blocker. Bisoprolol is the 5th worst.
I’d suggest you get my special report on the “Relative Ototoxicity of Anti-hypertensive drugs”. It lists the various classes of anti-hypertensive drugs in order of ototoxicity and give the supporting frequency figures so you and your doctor can choose one this will do the job and yet be unlikely to harm your ears.
You can get it at http://hearinglosshelp.com/shop/the-relative-ototoxicity-of-anti-hypertensive-drugs/
Cordially,
Neil
The problem is all the other ‘better’ drugs you listed elsewhere – ie. betaxolol are either not available in Canada – or are in the wrong form – intravenous or drops vs tablets.
Oops–Scratch that – looks like Labetalol and Nadalol are available.
I took atenolol twice a day for 2 months when the high pitched siren started. It is worst in quiet rooms but at work I barely notice. I stopped the med with permission from my cardiologist. Ringing lessened in a week. It’s no longer unbearable. I pray it stops completely.
I have been taking Atenolol for approximately a year. One morning while showering I noticed the water didnt sound quite as loud as usual and my ear felt blocked. I used an over the counter product to try an unblock my ear to no avail. I also noticed the volume on my television was, on occasion, not as loud as normal. I’ve also had severe ringing in my ears with MANY different tones and levels. I e been to three hearing specialists and they all agree it is NOT from the atenolol because there is no nerve damage. I disagree. My doctor, after insisting in his 30 years of practice has never heard of such a thing, change my prescription to metoprolol. I’m about to start taking that today. I’ve been fitted for hearing aids in both ears to the tune of 4300 dollars. I’m really hoping the metoprolol with solve this problem and the hearing aids will not be necessary. Any advice you can give would be apprecaited.
Hi Lisa:
Your ear specialists are obviously clueless about drug side effects. In actual fact, Atenolol is the second worst beta-blocker drug when it comes to ototoxicity.
Unfortunately, your doctor is also clueless, as he as prescribed the absolutely worst beta-blocker–namely Metoprolol. It is twice as ototoxic as Atenolol.
If I were you, I’d ask him to prescribe much, much less ototoxic beta-blockers such as Betaxolol, Acebutolol, Nadolol, Labetalol or Nebivolol.
Cordially,
Neil
Hi Dr. Bauman – I found the information in your hearing loss website is very helpful. I have been taking Atenolol 25 mg for over a decade, and it’s side effect finally hit me one faithful night on 2/21/2020, I have suddenly had complete hearing loss on my left ear plus tinnitus. I recently had an MRI of the brain, and the report came back no acute infarction or intracranial mass, no retrocochlear lesion to explain hearing loss. I thank God that it does not confirm that I have Acoustic Neuroma, which I was suspected that I have because I have symptoms like fatigue, facial numbness, neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, plus left side of my head feel like “full of bricks”! I cannot read or think fast these days, my head is foggy and I tend to forget things. But I have not given up research on my sudden deafness, I think maybe the medications that I have been taking may be the cause. I googled “Can Atenolol cause hearing loss?” then I discovered your website. I am really happy and honored of the information you presented. I finally realize how dangerous and damage High Blood pressure can cause to patients, for example, Lisinopril can make you cough your lungs out!!! Chlorthalidone can cause VISION problems. Atenolol can cause HEARING loss. Believe me I have tried them all and now left with despair. In the mean time, I stop taking Atenolol. I have been counting each day of being deaf in one ear, I feel like a prisoner within my own self, my spirit is half dead. I found a drug named “Tinnitus 911” on a website , https://www.fighttinnitusnow.com/difference_ko.php?utm_source=ROC&utm_medium=CPA&utm_campaign=T911_ROC_Email_CPA&utm_term=301652&utm_content=FCBB8376, for ringing noise in the ear, I am not sure is it safe to take? Could you please advise what high blood pressure medication is safe to take? Thank you so much. May God bless your kind heart.
Hi Michelle:
Atenolol is not a nice drug. It can cause side effects after 10 or 12 years of taking it as you have found.
All the symptoms you mention are not symptoms of acoustic neuromas, so you didn’t have to worry on that cause.
Not only does Lisinopril cause coughing, it has a host of ototoxic side effects too including hearing loss and tinnitus and a whole host of balance problems.
Tinnitus 911 seems to be safe to take. I don’t see any harm in the ingredients. However, there are several red flags on this product. First, it is highly hyped–a typical sign that it doesn’t work so they have to hype it to induce you to buy it. Second, there are many negative reviews about it saying it didn’t work for the people taking it. And third, the ingredients are likely in too small amounts to do any good. For example, 60 mg of vitamin C is nothing. I take 500 mg a day–and that is just my maintenance dose–not a therapeutic dose to try to get rid of something such as tinnitus (which I also have). So, all in all, I’d never take this product for tinnitus as you are not getting much (if any) bang for your buck.
I don’t know of any blood pressure medicines that are both effective and without serious side effects. However, I’m going to be investigating natural methods to see what really works as my blood pressure has crept up too high and I need to reduce it.
Cordially,
Neil
Has anyone recovered Tinniyus problems after stopping atenotol
Hi Brian:
I’ve heard from a number of people that had their tinnitus drop way down when they stopped taking Atenolol. No one specifically said it totally went away, but the level was down so it was bearable. Also, tinnitus is dose dependent so if you are on a low enough dose, you don’t get tinnitus.
Cordially,
Neil
I hope so its been a few days and getting louder with back of head pain Thanks
Hello doctor,
I am French and live in Paris. I am left-handed and suffer from tinnitus and hyperacusis in the right ear following a sound trauma which occurred 1 month ago, using a whistle on wheels, I find it surprising that a simple whistle can cause tinnitus.
12 hours later, I took 70 mg corticosteroid therapy daily for 7 days, but that didn’t change anything. My research led me to your blog, because I too have been on treatment with 25mg of atenolol per day for 14 months due to small cardiac arrhythmias, and I understand better now thanks to you what is happening to me today .
So I started to stop taking this medication today. I am amazed that in France as in the USA nobody talks about the ototoxicity of atenolol which seems obvious in view of the numerous testimonies of your blog, moreover, in France this drug is prescribed in doses between 50 and 100mg per day and it is necessary to cut a tablet in 2 to obtain a dose of 25mg which does not exist on sale! I
Ttake this opportunity to ask you a few questions:
– Do you think that my recent tinnitus for a month can still develop favorably in the following months or do you think that my tinnitus is now definitive?
– My ENT doctor prescribed a treatment with GINGKO BILOBA 60mg per day for 3 months, do you think this substance is effective on tinnitus?
– A doctor also prescribed clonazepam (rivotril) which is an antiepileptic drug which would be effective in reducing the perception of tinnitus in the auditory nerve, what do you think?
– My m ENT doctor offers me to perform electromagnetic shock on the ear in 3 months if the tinnitus is still present, what do you think of this therapy?
Thank you in advance for your answers.
Cordially.
Sylvain
Hi Sylvain:
I’m left-handed too. The sudden whistle cause you acoustic shock–and that can result in a number of symptoms including tinnitus and hyperacusis. You could also get hearing loss, ear pain, ear fullness, etc.
It’s still too early to tell whether your tinnitus will be temporary or permanent.
Taking Ginkgo biloba is a good idea, but the dose your doctor prescribed is much to low to be effective. The German E commission says the proper therapeutic dose is 480 mg per day which needs to be standardized to a minimum of 24% flavone glycosides, 6% terpene lactones and 2.6% bilobalide. If it doesn’t say standardized and give close to those figures for these three active ingredients, it probably won’t be effective. Arches Tinnitus Formula is one of the few formulations that meet these specifications.
Personally, I’d never take Clonazepam (Klonopin,Rivotril) as it is reported to CAUSE tinnitus in hundreds and hundreds of people, not to mention a host of other ototoxic side effects. I’d stick with the Ginkgo at the proper dose.
Are you talking about Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation? If so, it’s not yet a proven therapy over here. The success rate in limited studies is around 50%. So you have even odds of it helping you at best.
No matter what treatment you take (or do nothing), learn to ignore your tinnitus and focus instead on the loves of your life. When you treat it as not a threat to your well-being, this gives your limbic system permission to also ignore it, and it will tend to fade into the background where it won’t be a problem. However, if you focus on it, the opposite happens and it becomes louder and more intrusive.
Cordially,
Neil
hello doctor, thank you so much for your reply. I have some new elements to communicate to you to gather your opinion: I carried out a scanner of the ears which highlighted fibrosis at the end of the descending branch of the anvil, at the level of the articulation of the stirrup. In addition, my specialist doctor thinks that it can be a perilymphatic fistula caused by the trauma. What do you think about this ? I have no hearing loss or dizziness. I think that at the start of the symptoms, my eustachian tube opened when I blew by sending pressurized air into the whistle and that is why I immediately heard the sound of my own voice in my ear (autophony), and therefore I think that the pressurized air could have entered the middle ear through the eustachian tube, causing barotrauma on the inner ear. What do you think of this hypothesis? Furthermore, I have been able to stop atenolol for 10 days, I believe I understand the mechanism of this drug which has a vasoconstrictor action on blood vessels and that it is thus ototoxic, is that right for this reason?
Today, when I plug my ear, I always have a background noise like white noise, and I could notice that tinnitus occurs after a few minutes much louder when I am in the lying position, and disappears after an hour when standing or sitting. I also noticed that putting a plug in the ear was like a sound box phenomenon, and I could hear the wind whistling louder in my ear, and hear the vibrations caused by walking like a bell in the ear. In addition, the intensity of bone conduction seems more increased than in the other ear, what should we conclude from this?
Thank you in advance for your help, doctor.
Hi Sylvain:
I don’t think any fibrosis is the cause of your symptoms. And personally, I don’t see a perilymph fistula fitting your symptoms either. But remember, I’m not a medical doctor, so what do I know?
When you blow, your Eustachian tube is closed. It only opens when you swallow or yawn. I don’t see how you can swallow or yawn and blow at the same time. So I don’t see your theory as very likely.
I still think your problems are due to acoustic shock–and the several symptoms that can result including Eustachian tube problems, tinnitus, ear sensitivity, etc.
If things are slowly getting better, then I believe giving your ears time to completely recover is all you need.
Cordially,
Neil
Hello doctor, thanks again for your help. But when you say that the eustachian tube cannot open by blowing, yet there is a well-known way for divers to open the eustachian tube by blowing and pinching their noses to prevent air from coming out, this is called the vasalva maneuver. So I think it could have happened to me while blowing even if my nose was not pinched …
Do you know by what principle the drug atenolol is ototoxic?
Yours.
Sylvain.
Hi Sylvain:
You’re right. I was only thinking of “natural” ways to open your Eustachian tubes, not “forced” ways. But the Valsalva maneuver definitely opens them.
As for drug ototoxicity, I don’t deliberately look into the how and why of ototoxicity. If I happen to come across it, I may note it in my book. Don’t have anything on Atenolol at this point.
Cordially,
Neil
I just started Atenolol last night ( 9-24-20 ) I woke up this morning with a shattering headache and my ears ring so so bad and when I talk it feels like I’m in a tunnel. My doctor is closed today. Any advice would be appreciated and thank u so much
Hi Katherine:
If it were me, I’d dump the Atenolol right now.
When you see your doctor, tell him to prescribe a different drug that doesn’t cause these bad side effects.
Cordially,
Neil
hi i took noten 50mg for a month 2 weeks in my ears have been ringing been of they for 2 weeks now ears still ringing & pain in back of neck
Hi Darren:
Atenolol (Noten) can certainly cause tinnitus and is done so in hundreds upon hundreds of people. also, hundreds of people have experienced ear pain. I don’t know whether that pain extends to a person’s neck or not, but it is possible.
Cordially,
Neil
I have had constant ringing in my ears for years. I decided to look up what could be the cause and found out atenalol can be the culprit. I have been on it for many years probably 20 yrs. I feel like it is getting louder and causing hearing lost lately.
Hi Lynn:
The longer you take Atenolol, the more ototoxic side effects you can experience. However, the good news is if you get off the Atenolol, numbers of people find their ototoxic side effects either going away or becoming much less. And some of these people have been on Atenolol for many years like you have–so it’s probably not too late for you to get off this drug and have similar results. See what your doctor says to stopping this drug, and if you then need to, take another drug rather than Atenolol.
Cordially,
Neil
I’ve been on atenolol for 4.5 years without any side affects until a couple of weeks ago when tinnitus set in. At first, the ringing lasted for a couple of hours and would go always for a few days then return. As the weeks have passed the ringing has become worse and now lasts for days on end. I’m taking it upon my self to wean of atenolol and will advise my doctor when I go see him later this month.
Hi Michael:
Sounds like a plan. Just don’t taper off too fast so you don’t generate withdrawal side effects.
Cordially,
Neil
Was on 50mg daily. 25 morning 25 night. About a year after starting I began having Horrible tinnitus. Was diagnosed with high frequency hearing loss. Exploding head syndrome. Where a low buzz would climax into like an electrical zap, only while I slept. Lost some weight, cut out the smoking, and saw my BP was now low. I cut my Atenolol in half, down to 25mg. Once a day. That was last week. I’m on this thread bc my tinnitus is 75% better and I was looking to see if there was a correlation and found this.
Hi Mike:
Atenolol can give you weird ear symptoms so cutting down on the dose or getting off it is a good idea. Looks like it is working for you.
Cordially,
Neil
I did a search for “ringing in ears caused by atenolol” because I realized today that the awful ringing started after my Dr switched me from Metoprolol to Atenolol in hopes it would better control my BP. She also added amlodipine. The reason I think it’s Atenolol causing the ringing is because my Mom who has been on it for 20 years also has ringing in her ears. Now I’m thinking it’s the atenolol.
Hi Tracy:
According to my information, Atenolol is twice as likely to cause tinnitus as Metoprolol, and that is exactly what you have found. And Atenolol is about 3 times as likely to cause tinnitus as Amlodipine.
If your doctor wants to try a beta blocker that has much less of a chance of causing tinnitus, I’d suggest you try Labetalol, Carvedilol or Nebivolol (in that order)
Cordially,
Neil
My doctor placed me on Atenolol in 2002 for a skipped heart beat. He said it would also get rid of my panic attacks and I wouldn’t have any headaches….which that part did help. In 2007 one night my ears started hissing /ringing very loudly, more so in the left ear. It has never stopped and now it is 2021. I also have taken ibuprofen for arthritis in my hips for that long as well, 800mg a day, every day. I just changed to Tylenol this week, 500mg a day. I don’t take any other drugs. I tried weening myself off of Atenolol 3 years ago, reading that it could be what’s causing the ringing, but I had terrible panic attacks so I kept taking them. About once or twice a year my BP spikes at night and the ringing intensifies and my head feels very full. Not sure if its the ringing causing my BP to spike or the BP is causing the ringing to increase. The ringing is louder when I lay down to sleep so I sleep with a fan. The doctor that prescribed the Atenolol retired. I moved to California then returned home and found my records no longer existed. So starting over with a new doctor he has no history. The doctor I have now said I have Tinnitus and there is no cure and never offered anything else. So I’m not very confident with him and not many other choices to pick from in my city.
Hi Debbie:
You’ve been taking Atenolol for 19 years now, correct? Numbers of people have reported getting tinnitus several years after beginning Atenolol–just like you did. I’m not surprised that your tinnitus never went away since you are still on the Atenolol.
If you need a beta-blocker, why not ask your doctor if you can switch to Labetalol (if it will do the job) as Labetalol only has 1/5 of the risk of tinnitus as compared to Atenolol. It’s quite possible your tinnitus will go away after you switch. It’s worth a try. Second best would be to switch to Carvedilol.
You’ve also taken Ibuprofen for 14 years now, correct? Ibuprofen causes tinnitus, and hearing loss (especially taken for longer periods).
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is also ototoxic, especially when taken long term, but when given the choice between Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen, I’d tend to go with the Acetaminophen, but be careful to take it with food so you don’t wreck your liver.
I think the blood pressure spikes cause the tinnitus to get worse, not the other way round.
All doctors really mean when they tell you that there is no cure for tinnitus is that they don’t have a clue how to help you–but there are a number of things you can do to bring your tinnitus under control and in some cases totally eliminate it.
My book, “Take Control of Your Tinnitus” (https://hearinglosshelp.com/shop/take-control-of-your-tinnitus-heres-how/) is an excellent place to start. In addition to helping you understand tinnitus, it shows you a good number of different tinnitus therapies. They all work for some people, but none of them work for everyone.
Cordially,
Neil
I am so upset with this medication altenol it was ok at first n now I’m experiencing hissing in the left ear..I’m so upset I don’t need to go through this very depressed. What should I do?
Hi Linda:
Atenolol is quite hard on the ears and causes tinnitus in numbers of people. Why not ask your doctor to change your medication to another beta-blocker? I’d suggest Labetalol as the beta blocker least likely to cause tinnitus. My second choice would e Carvedilol and my third Nebivolol.
Cordially,
Neil
Thank you so much Dr. Bauman..I will speak to my Doctor about this. God Bless you✝️🙏
Hi Dr Bauman he wants to now put me on metoprolol,is that OK? Thanks
Hi Linda:
I already gave you the three least ototoxic beta blocker choices. Metoprolol is further down the pile at number 5 in my opinion, so the risk of making your tinnitus worse is higher than for the three I already mentioned. But it is up to you what you choose to take.
Cordially,
Neil
I have recently had my atenolol increased from 50 mg per day to 75 and all of a sudden my tinnitus is much worse, I have had tinnitus for 59 years ever since I had Ménière’s disease, but it is definitely worse since the increase in drugs.
Hi Carole:
Looks like with 50 mg you flew under the Atenolol ototoxic side effect radar, but with raising it to 75 mg the radar nailed you. If you drop the dose back to 50 mg, you may find that your tinnitus will drop back to its old level. If I were you, I’d get my doctor to try a different drug rather than raising the Atenolol dose.
Cordially,
Neil
Hi Dr. Bauman. This drug should be banned ,what can we do to get this crappy medication off. ? I never had any problems with my ears n now its hissing went to ent I have a little hearing loss…I was shocked …n now its getting worse…I’m getting a 2 ND opinion . I’m nervous n scared I have bad anxieties n now I have to deal with this. U told me to go on Labetlol I will have to go on that but I’m soo upset I don’t want to go on any medication..Thank u sooo much for ur help u are a blessing to all of us.
Hi Linda:
Many drugs should be banned because of their limited efficacy and their long list of ototoxic and other side effects–but it is highly unlikely this will ever happen. So you have to do your own due diligence and refuse to take certain drugs.
If you have to take a Beta Blocker, taking Labetalol would have less than one-quarter the risk of having ototoxic side effects according to my information.
Cordially,
Neil
Thank u Dr Bauman ..I been off of altenol for like a week n I still have the hissing in the ears, how long does it get out of ur system. ? Again, thank you so much. I hope u n ur family have Merry Christmas. God Bless 🙏✝️
Hi Linda:
If going off a drug affects your tinnitus you should know within a month or so. Some people notice a drop in their tinnitus in a day or two, for others it can take a couple of weeks and for others a month or a lot longer. So much depends on the drug and your psychological make-up.
Cordially,
Neil
I’m trying to stay off of the meds right now but if I do need it down the road I will tell my Dr to prescribe me Labetalol. Thank you soo much🙏✝️
Hi Neil. I was taking 50mg Atenolol for 6 weeks and started getting tinnitus and fullness in the left ear. After talking with my GP he recommended transitioning down to 25mg and 10mg Quinapril. I was on that for several days and thought (at the time) that the tinnitus was getting worse. So my GP said to go back to 50mg Atenolol. After going back to 50mg Atenolol for 3 days, I found out that straight Atenolol was way worse. Now it’s been 8 days back on 50mg and when my ears ring separately it’s louder, but the level drops a notch when they ring together. I’ve talked to my GP and he wants me to stay on a beta-blocker and asked if I would like to trial Carvedilol. What are your thought’s on that? I just hope because I’ve only been on Atenolol for 2 months, the ringing might back off to an acceptable level once I stop it?
Hi Howie:
If you want to stay on a beta-blocker, the one with the least risk of tinnitus according to my information is Labetalol. Carvedilol is number 2 on the list. As a comparison, Atenolol is way down at number 7 on the list.
The good news is that numbers of people have found that their tinnitus and other ear problems have gone away or greatly reduced when they got off Atenolol–so I hope that happens with you too.
Cordially,
Neil
I am so happy that I found your site. I’ve been on 25mg if Atenolol for about 4.5 years. A year ago a hissing ear sound started but my doctor said not to worry about it. My left ear gets full and loses hearing, my throat swells up on the left side and I get face hot flashes. This also affects my left eye and loses eye sight (sight gets blocked and blurry, double vision) and I get a mild headache. Now a year later the tinnitus and all symptoms are getting worse. Ive also had vertigo attacks which was very scary. I’ve tried acupuncture for the tinnitus but it doesn’t help. I’ve tried physical therapy and that helped some. After 15 sessions the tinnitus was reduced, almost gone, but then it came back again. I’m also getting pins and needles now. Not sure if they are from Atenolol? I was on Lisinopril before but had an allergic reaction (neck swelling, trouble breathing etc.). I’ve tried Metorol (spelling?) but it caused ankle and leg swelling. I’ve also tried hydrochlorixe (diuretic) but it caused tingling and nerve pain.
How can I wean myself off Atenolol?
Some of my doctors told me before to just stop it but I read that it is dangerous to do so. My new doctor wanted me to add additional medicine but I said no. My BP measurements are normal at home but spikes in medical offices.
The tinnitus and eye issue is causing so much anxiety and it’s difficult for me to concentrate and work.
Hi Monica:
I’ve heard from numbers of people in similar situations to yours–taking Atenolol for a number of years, then bad things began happening. The good news is that when they stopped taking the Atenolol, their symptoms went away or reduced greatly within 2 weeks, sometimes in just a day or two. So you may want to do the same.
Apparently you don’t have to taper off Atenolol. None of the people did that have contacted me and none of them reported any withdrawal side effects, so it will probably be safe for you too.
The drugs that you have to slowly taper off are the various classes of psychotropic drugs that are taken for anxiety, depression, etc.
Let your doctor know what you are doing, and keep a record of your blood pressure and if it does not go up, why are you taking the drug if it doesn’t make any difference?
Cordially,
Neil
I stumbled upon this after googling “Atenolol and tinnitus” i’m reading the stories and it’s all so eerily similar to mine… I’ve been taking 50mg for the past month and I started getting this ringing/hissing in my left ear. at first it was at night but now it’s happening during the day too. I should add that i’m hearing impaired and have 65% conductive hearing loss in both ears and I cannot afford to lose any more hearing! I’m going to be monitoring my BP closely and getting off this drug. I also found out my BP is only high in the doctor’s office and not at home so my doctor said it was ok to cut the pills in half.
Hi Daniel:
If your blood pressure is normal at home and only high at the doctor’s office, why take a drug that messes up your ears in the first place? If it were me, I’d just stop taking it and monitor your BP at home. If it stays at a reasonable level, then you don’t need harmful drugs.
Cordially,
Neil
Just an update: I decided to try not taking any medication since yesterday. My BP this morning was completely normal! yesterday the ringing/hissing was still there but a bit quieter. today it’s very quiet. almost gone. so the atenolol was definitely causing this!
Hi Daniel:
And not only was it causing your tinnitus, etc., but it was also completely unnecessary as your BP was normal in the first place. Doctors are much too ready to hand out ear-damaging drugs that are not necessary at all.
Cordially,
Neil
Dear Dr Neil,
I hav been taking 25 to 37mg atenolol for3-4 years to lower my BP, and my hearing was showing going down in high frequencies on last year test. Recently I got high pitched about 9khz tinnitus sound in my head. I am only 58 and do not work in extreme conditions. I can hear very well in low to med frequencies. Only high are very bad. I suspect atenolol was a factor to affect my ears and cause ringing. I do not have any specific heart issues to required beta blockers. What safer drug could I switch to not further damage my ears and possibly improve my condition???? I will be lowering my dose of atenolol slowly as it affects my pulse if i drop it fast. but I dont think I can keep my BP controlled without any drug as my lower number was going to 100 if i forgot to take atenolol previously.
Hi Yan:
I’ve heard from numbers of people that have tinnitus and hearing loss after taking Atenolol for several years–just like you are experiencing. The good news is that when you get off the Atenolol, your lost hearing may come back and the tinnitus go away. That happens to some people but not everyone.
You might want to ask your doctor to switch you from Atenolol (beta-blocker) to Lisinopril (ACE inhibitor) if it will work for you. It is much less ototoxic. In fact, I take Lisinopril myself without any ototoxic side effects showing up.
You are at the age where many men begin to notice they have a high-frequency hearing loss, not from drugs, but due to aging. This is called presbycusis. And since tinnitus often accompanies hearing loss, your tinnitus may be due to the hearing loss and not due to the drug–or it could be some of both. So there are other factors to consider.
Cordially,
Neil