Antihistamines and tinnitus

[norcar]

I have had right sided tinnitus for over 4 months. I have seen ENT, audiology , MRI etc. There are no reasons found for the tinnitus. I am partially habituated but it can lead to loss of sleep at night. However, I get pollen allergies at about this time of year and start taking antihistamine - ceterizine is the one I take and is OTC. I noticed the tinnitus was getting worse recently and 2 nights ago I started taking the antihistamine in the evening. Within 3 hours the tinnitus had subsided and I had a good night's sleep. I noticed that tinnitus was present the next morning but at a low level. I repeated the dose the next evening and the same relief occurred.

I have read up on the effect of antihistamine on tinnitus. Apparently there are 2 types, 1 and 2. Type one has a more systemic affect and is known to cause tinnitus in some cases but type 2 (the one I am using) helps inflammation in mucous membranes and secretions so could affect inner ear issues. The evidence is very sketchy but I will see if there is a continued beneficial affect over time.

I should point out that my ear does feel partly blocked at times and I note others report this feeling. I was prescribed fluticasone nasal spray to reduce inflammation but had no effect. This went away when I started using the antihistamine so this might indicate some kind of change in the ear. I wonder if anyone else has tried using antihistamines and if so which type and were there any benefits noted.

[Tanney]

since you have had positive results with the ORAL antihistamine ....and since you have NASAL allergies.....you might want to try a NASAL spray antihistamine. Nasal antihistamines do not go through your blood system like an oral one does and will stay in the sinus's/nasal cavity and should theoretically be more effective in warding off your nasal allergy. Another protocol you might consider is using a salt solution nasal flush prior to the nasal antihistamine spray. The flush will clean out old allergens in the sinus area and make the antihistamine even more effective against future allergens. I follow the nasal flush/nasal spray protocol twice a day and my tinnitus is well controlled. Good luck.

[norcar in reply to Tanney]

Thank you for your helpful reply, Tanney. I wasn't aware of nasal antihistamines but I can find only one sold in the UK - the generic name is azetastine. There are others called antihistamines but are in fact either saline or steroids. There is a combination azetastine and fluticasone but that is prescription only. I am going to get the azetastine nasal spray but in the mean time I will use a nasal wash - I have one that is by Neil Medical - you make up the saline solution using boiled water and salt sachets and use their bottle to flush about 100ml into each nostril. It is cheap and easy to use. I also have a fluticasone nasal spray so will try these in various combinations to see which might be best. Today, my tinnitus has continued to be much improved. Fingers crossed!

[Tanney in reply to norcar]

Azelastine is a great nasal antihistamine. That's the one I use. Flutacasone (Flonase) is a great nasal decongestant steroid. Seems like you have the right tools. I use both nasal sprays together....they clear up my sinus's and make breathing easier.....and my tinnitus is managed well.

Also, regarding NeilMed usage: instead of boiling the water consider buying commercial DISTILLED water at your grocery store. It's a lot easier than having to boil water. I use distilled water in the Neilmed bottle with packet and put the whole thing in the microwave for about 15 seconds......just long enough that the water reaches room temperature (I store the bottled distilled water in refrigerator).

Best of luck to you.

[norcar in reply to Tanney]

It looks as if we are on the same wavelength - I will let you know how I get along with the treatment. Thank again for your informed comments.

[Kellythecat-74 in reply to norcar]

I use Neil Med. I make it up in a small soda bottle with cooled boiled water and keep it by the bathroom sink. Works very well for blocked sinuses.

[Cookie24]

My tinnitus started on April 27 in my right ear. My family doctor flushed ear wax but ringing like a high pitched EEEEEE continues. I saw ENT last week and ears are normal but I have hypertrophy of inferior nasal turbinates. She recommended Flonase and is sending me to an audiologist. The noise drives me crazy sometimes.

[Meldge]

phenergan antihystamine tablets caused my tinnitus. Also Nytol. Avoid oral histamines like the plague.

[Mv27 in reply to Meldge]

me too. I’ve been taking this pill long term for insomnia and the ringing is really bad. Has it improved since discontinuing?

[Meldge in reply to Mv27]

A bit but it looks like it’s permanent. I have good & bad days with T. It’s definitely better than it was when I was taking phenergan. I wouldn’t even dream of taking any now. Any depressants make it worse too.