Local Anesthesia And Tinnitus

[Alexandor]

Hello Tinnitus talk forum! I don't want to take up too much of your time, so I'll make this short. I have had tinnitus for about 4 months now. It is incredibly quiet, as I can only hear it when I am in a room with sound lower than 30db, and even then I have to listen for it. It has gotten louder on occasion though and I'd like to prevent and permanent worsening. I am having a cyst surgically removed from my lower back tomorrow, and I'm certain the Doc will be using some sort of local anesthetic. Is it possible the anesthetic injected into my back could worsen my tinnitus?? If so, are there any alternatives to the local anesthetic?? My biggest fear in life at this moment is a worsening of my T, so I want to be cautious. Thanks in advance for your responses!!!

 

[yonkapin]

I've been under general anesthetic for wisdom teeth extraction and was fine. Think you should be all good.

 

[Markku]

It shouldn't. I've never heard of a permanent tinnitus increase due to local anesthetic.

But... nobody here can say for 100% sure. It could trigger a stress reaction in you if you worry too much which could cause a worsening of tinnitus (usually not permanent).

The chances are you will be fine, though. Ask your doctor what he thinks before the procedure.

 

[Alexandor]

Thank you both for your replies! you have definitely helped calm my anxiety about the procedure. I didn't think it would be a problem after conducting my own research, but wanted to double check with some people that have a greater knowledge of tinnitus. Wish me luck!!

 

[Fish]

I second what yonkapin said. Local anaesthesia didn't cause any permanent worsening of tinnitus loudness in my case. So far I've never heard of such thing happening. Quite the opposite actually, I read about few cases of temporary tinnitus relief from anaesthesia during dental work

You will be fine!

 

[Alexandor]

Just a quick update: I had the proceudre done with local anesthetic. No increase in tinnitus at all. If anything it has gotten quieter! However I now have another question. The doc gave me a script for antibiotics to help clear up the infection. I'm wondering which type of antibiotics are safe, and which I should avoid? Sorry if this is the wrong place for me to ask a follow-up question. I'm new to the forum, and pleed ignorance if I have made a mistake

 

[Karen]

Hi, Alexander,

Glad you got through the procedure without any change in your tinnitus. That is good news!

Here is a list of ototoxic drugs (drugs that may cause or worsen tinnitus). You might want to check this list for the antibiotic you were prescribed, and address any questions about it to your doctor:
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/ototoxic-drugs-drugs-that-cause-tinnitus.455/

Some drugs, though listed as ototoxic, don't cause problems for everyone. Each person is different; so, the best thing to do is consult your doctor.

Hope this information is helpful to you.

 

[Alexandor]

Thanks for your reply Karen! I've been prescribed Septra DS which is unfortunately on the ototoxic list :'( I will try to find one not on the list, and request the doctor change my prescription. Have you had any experience with taking antibiotics since you acquired your T?

 

[Karen]

Yes, I have taken Cipro, before I knew it was ototoxic, and it didn't have any effect on my tinnitus. I've heard a lot of cautions about Cipro since then, so I think I was lucky!

I'm glad you're going to discuss the Septra DS with your doctor. Maybe there's another antibiotic he can prescribe.

 

[yonkapin]

Well I can vouch for amoxcilin/augmentin duo - they aren't mentioned as being ototoxic afaik and I was on augmentin duo recently for an infection, was all good!

 

[Alexandor]

Thanks for your replies! Just an update, I actually opted not to take the antibiotics at all. I wasn't convinced they were necessary and it turns out they weren't. The labs came back on the puss that was collected from my cyst and there was no infection present. Healed up 100% with no meds. Just goes to show you, Dr's prescribe meds when often times they aren't needed.