Can Ketamine Treat Tinnitus?

Tinnitus, which is characterized by constant ringing in the ears, is a frustrating condition. Individuals with tinnitus may experience ringing in one or both ears, and the noise isn’t caused by an external sound. This condition is common, with approximately 15 to 20 percent of people reporting ringing in their ears. 

It’s especially common in older adults and in people who have hearing loss caused by an ear injury. If you struggle with tinnitus and are ready to find relief, you may be wondering if alternative treatments are an option. Tinnitus is notoriously challenging to treat, but some cases suggest that it can be alleviated with ketamine infusion therapy. Interested in learning more about this avenue? Here’s what you need to know: 

How Is Tinnitus Typically Treated? 

If you have tinnitus, you understand the frustration that comes with hearing unrelenting sounds such as ringing or whooshing. These noises are often disruptive to daily life, making it difficult to focus at work, listen to what others are saying, and even sleep. 

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to treating tinnitus, and determining if there’s an underlying cause is often the first step. In some cases, medications can cause tinnitus. If this is your situation, your medical team may be able to adjust your dosage or find a different medication. 

Hearing loss is often related to tinnitus, so a hearing aid may help alleviate symptoms in individuals with hearing loss. Other people with tinnitus find that white noise is helpful in reducing the noise associated with tinnitus. 

If a reversible cause has not been found and other remedies have not alleviated your symptoms of tinnitus, you may consider trying ketamine therapy. According to research by Texas A&M, ketamine infusions have the potential to help those with tinnitus. Ketamine seems to be most beneficial to individuals with severe tinnitus symptoms, and researchers are still determining whether other drugs are necessary to complement the effects of ketamine. 

If you’re tired of dealing with the distracting and distressing effects of tinnitus, you’re likely more than ready to find relief. Ketamine infusion therapy may be the next step. 

Ketamine is an FDA-approved drug that has been in use since the 1960s. Although ketamine has origins as an anesthetic, research continues to show new and exciting applications for a variety of conditions. It’s particularly effective in treating depression, anxiety, and chronic pain, but may also be helpful in reducing symptoms of tinnitus. If you’d like to learn more about this option, we’re here to assist you. Please contact our team to discuss your background so we can determine if we’re the right fit. 

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