Tinnitus / Dizziness Following Antibiotics

Dr Nagler,
In July I had a torsoplasty and had an infected hematoma. I had 5 I and d surgeries and numerous abx before the infection was controlled. I was on vancomyicin, Invanz, gentamyicin , clindamyicin , ancef, merropentum, etc. I ended up with c diff and was on vancomyicin 500mg 4x a day, Rifaxanin and finally Dificid. Ever since I have had pulsating tinnitus constantly as well as pain, ringing and pressure in my ears that comes and goes. I haven't been able to return to work or drive. It's horrible. Is this likely to be from the antibiodics? I had a MRI and hearing test that were normal. Is there a test to see if the little hairs in my ears were damaged? I've been off all abx for 6 weeks but still have dizziness and tinnitus. I have a hard time sleeping because of it too.

 

I am so sorry to hear that you are having such a difficult time of it.

Unfortunately there is no way of knowing the cause for sure, but gentamicin ototoxicity is a possibility. As far as a testing goes, even if your otoacoustic emissions study were abnormal, it is not specific enough to point to the cause or even the timing of any damage. On the brighter side, all of your symptoms may well just settle down on their own within the next few months. I do hope that will be the case for you.

Dr. Stephen Nagler