Commercial Lidocaine Patch as a Treatment for Ear-ringing

[HighleyTall]

As promised, I'd like to report back after using the 4% Lidocaine patches. For some time now, my tinnitus has been accompanied by daily migraines, sensations in my face and scalp, and burning ears. I started using the patches in the evening after my daily bath (around 8 p.m.) and removed them the next day at noon. Most days, I used half a patch, although sometimes I used a whole patch.

On the first day, I still experienced a slight migraine. However, over the next few days, I didn't, so I thought I was improving. Unfortunately, my tinnitus is reactive and very unstable. For the first three days, I also had the impression that it was less fluctuating (on a second-to-second level). However, even a short conversation or exposure to higher sound levels (sometimes unavoidable) can trigger an onset.

By day six, my tinnitus became very static, metallic, and louder, and the migraines returned. I haven't used the patches for a while now, and my tinnitus has returned to its "baseline." I haven't experienced migraines in a few days without the patches, but the sensations, burning ears, and tinnitus are still present.

I only used the patches for a short period, so it's hard to draw a firm conclusion. Unfortunately, I don't think they work for me. I've been trying to habituate to this new baseline for quite some time, but it's been difficult due to the other symptoms and sensations I'm experiencing.

Maybe I should try targeting the trigeminal nerve and placing the patches on my cheek, as @ccm302 suggests, but closer to my ears.

 

[another_person]

@Nick47, do you still follow this at all? It's an old thread, but like so many on these forums, there isn't much closure or follow-up.

 

[Joey72]

There's a roll-on with 4% that might be easier to apply than patches. I haven't tried it for any extended period of time for tinnitus, though.

 

[Nick47]

you still follow this at all? It's an old thread, but like so many on these forums, there isn't much closure or follow-up.

Yes, for a couple of weeks after a flare. All the details about how I use it are in this thread.

 

[another_person]

Yes, for a couple of weeks after a flare. All the details about how I use it are in this thread.

Thanks, I've read the thread, but maybe I missed it. What size do you buy and then cut in half? I see large and XL available on iHerb.

 

[Nick47]

What size do you buy and then cut in half? I see large and XL available on iHerb.

There is only one size from Aspercreme.

 

[another_person]

There is only one size from Aspercreme.

I can order a 10x14cm or a 12x20cm.

 

[Nick47]

I can order a 10x14cm or a 12x20cm.

Go bigger and cut to size.

 

[kingsfan]

My dad gave me this when I last saw him. I wonder what it would do? I'm too nervous to put Lidocaine in my ear, though. Wonder if it would help with the menthol and numbness in my face that I suspect to be originating from nerves in my inner/outer ear.

 

[Nic82]

This article appeared in The Lancet and is currently in the news in the Netherlands regarding the treatment of post-COVID patients with issues such as brain fog, sound sensitivity, etc. Could there be a connection? Treatment was done with lidocaine–hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin: a soluble formulation of lidocaine. Sorry, chemistry was never my strongest subject, and I also haven't yet looked into whether this last substance has already been extensively discussed on this forum.

Effect of subcutaneous lidocaine–hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) on quality of life in patients with post-COVID condition: a 36-week observational interrupted time series study