Optimizer ear spray (contains neomycin) and tinitus

[oceanview1]

I had itchy ears and was prescribed an ear spray called optimize that appeared to trigger tinitus. I just wondered if anyone had developed tinitus on the back of that too?

I have read that one of its ingredients, neomycin can cause it (although I'm told that it's only if you have a compromised eardrum which I'm told I dont).

[Happyrosie]

Otomize - I’ve had it prescribed with no benefit whatsoever, but no change to the T either! Other posters over the past few months have mentioned this.

[doglover1973]

I was given it by GP but didn't use it because of the possible link with tinnitus.

[rabbits65 in reply to doglover1973]

Gosh how many more drugs linked to this T

[doglover1973 in reply to rabbits65]

Probably more than we know rabbit. I think meds have a lot to answer for. In all fairness to my GP she gave me Canesten instead.

[Compressorman in reply to doglover1973]

I have had bucket loads of that spray, wonder if thats where my extra tinnitus has cum from?...no more spray then!

[doglover1973 in reply to Compressorman]

Hi there. Canesten is a good alternative if you have itchy ears .

[TayChi]

I can not remember what ear spray I used, but I woke up with T the morning after using an ear spray. I have never had any problems with my ears in 40 odd years. It concerned me at the time that the spray sound was so loud and crackling in my ear. Still have T a year and a month on. It isn't as bad as it was when it first happened. It is mainly at bedtime or when there is total silence I hear it and it's only if I think about it. At first it sent me up the wall and I needed pink noise to get to sleep but now I can ignore it most of the time. I live near a main road. I think I've trained my brain to think it's just a noise outside ☺️🤷🏼‍♀️.

[TinnitusUKPat Partner]

I guess it depends very much on what the ear spray has been prescribed for - if it is being used to treat a problematic ear infection, as Otomize often is, that infection is as likely a cause of tinnitus as any reaction to the medication itself.

Any GP prescribing the medication is between a rock and a hard place, as the condition the medication is being prescribed for may need treatment but the available treatment is linked with a risk of causing damage to the ear, damage which may occur regardless if the underlying infection isn't treated.

It's worth saying that risks are not guarantees of outcomes and some users won't experience negative side effects beyond some initial discomfort from treating an external ear infection.

[Suzysunday]

I got tinnitus in my left ear after using otomize last July. Like you said it's the neomycin. I am really angry as it was prescribed over the phone. Of course the gp denies it's that that caused it.

[oceanview1 in reply to Suzysunday]

I hear you. Im really angry with my doc and myself too. I trusted their expertise. All I had were itchy ears (no tinnitus or infection) and was prescribed this. I instantly started having tinnitus and numbness in my inner ears. My ENT Specialist told me its not possible that Optimize is responsible because it is only toxic if it penetrates the ear drum and gets to the middle ear / inner ear. He told me that I have no perforated eardrum and so it is not the cause. I am very dubious given my instant problems that coincided with taking this medication. I cannot believe that such a dangerous toxic solution is on the market as I now have 24/7 tinnitus!

[doglover1973 in reply to oceanview1]

Be angry with your doc by all means but don't blame yourself. You acted in good faith. You couldn't have known. Be kind to yourself. It's the only way to go.

[Suzysunday in reply to oceanview1]

I have spoken to 3 doctors about this 2 of which were new to the job and they admitted that otomize can do this, but the third was an established doctor who dismissed it out of hand. Typical. I still have the original problem with my ear, discomfort and some pain, now tinnitus. Been waiting for ages to see an ENT at the hospital.

[doglover1973 in reply to Suzysunday]

Me too. It's so frustrating isn't it .. I've been told it might be up to a year.

[Suzysunday in reply to doglover1973]

Sounds about right. Not hopeful they will be much help. I got tinnitus in my left ear on the same week after stupidly going for micro suction at specsavers.

[doglover1973 in reply to Suzysunday]

Ono. That's really bad luck . The problem is no one tells you. It's not until you arrive on the BTA forum that you find out .

[Blademink]

Thank you for your post ❤️❤️❤️