Ibuprofen has been associated with an increased risk of temporary tinnitus. What does the science say?
Ibuprofen and other analgesics — painkillers — have been associated with an increased risk of temporary tinnitus, or ringing in the ears. What does the science say?
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID. It is a common over-the-counter treatment for musculoskeletal pain, fever, menstrual pain, and cold and flu symptoms, among other conditions.
Ibuprofen works by inhibiting the production of certain cyclooxygenase enzymes. These enzymes trigger the production of prostaglandins, which play a role in inflammation, fever and pain. Ibuprofen inhibits prostaglandin production, which minimizes these symptoms.
As part of the prostaglandin-inhibiting process, ibuprofen might also decrease blood flow to the cochlea, which could create an ibuprofen/tinnitus link. Tinnitus is a ringing, hissing or roaring in one or both ears.
According to a Harvard Medical School study that tracked almost 70,000 women between 1995 and 2017, frequent (6 to 7 days a week) use of moderate-dose non-aspirin NSAID use was associated with an almost 20% higher risk of tinnitus in women under 60. The study noted that “additional investigation to determine whether there is a causal association is needed.”1
Another long-term study that tracked almost 27,000 men found that regular use of aspirin, NSAIDs (including ibuprofen) and acetaminophen also increases the risk of hearing loss in men at higher doses, with younger men being more affected.2
So, can ibuprofen cause tinnitus? The causal link between ibuprofen and tinnitus is still being investigated, but there is an association between tinnitus and high doses of ibuprofen.
Ibuprofen inhibits prostaglandin activity, which might result in reduced blood flow to the cochlea — the part of the inner ear that is involved in hearing. This could potentially cause tinnitus symptoms. However, more research is needed, and the link between ibuprofen and tinnitus is most notable at high and frequent doses — more than is recommended over the counter.
Ibuprofen and other NSAIDS can induce temporary ototoxicity. Ototoxic drugs are those that cause temporary or permanent damage to the inner ear or the vestibulocochlear nerve, resulting in hearing loss, tinnitus, impaired balance and/or dizziness.
Any tinnitus or hearing loss that occurs from the frequent use of ibuprofen or other NSAIDs should disappear once you stop taking the drug or reduce dosage and/or frequency. Remember to consult your doctor before stopping or deviating from your prescription treatment.
There is no evidence that ibuprofen can help with tinnitus. If anything, it can cause or intensify tinnitus if it is taken frequently and at higher doses.
Ibuprofen is an analgesic, which is the broad term for a pain-relieving medication. Alternatives to ibuprofen include aspirin and naproxen — which are NSAIDs like ibuprofen — and acetaminophen.
Acetaminophen is not an NSAID like ibuprofen or aspirin. It is another type of analgesic (painkiller) that can help reduce fever and mild to moderate pain.
There is a link between acetaminophen and tinnitus. The Harvard Medical School study found that frequent use of acetaminophen was associated with a higher risk of persistent tinnitus among all women in the study. The risks increased with the frequency of use. Another study, this one of men, found similar results.
There is also a link between aspirin and tinnitus. Aspirin is part of the salicylate family of drugs, which can cause tinnitus at high doses.
Frequent use (6 to 7 days a week) of low-dose aspirin (100 mg or less) was associated with a “modest lower risk” of reversible tinnitus in women aged 60 or over. Frequent use of moderate-dose aspirin (325 mg or greater) is associated with a 16% greater risk of reversible tinnitus in women younger than 60. As frequency and dosage increase, so does the risk of developing temporary tinnitus.
Tinnitus might develop and then level off or fluctuate while you’re taking aspirin. Just as with ibuprofen, after you stop taking aspirin, any tinnitus symptoms should go away.
Ibuprofen can cause a number of side effects, including abdominal pain, heartburn, and an increased risk of cardiovascular thrombotic or gastrointestinal events. Tinnitus is another potential side effect.
1Ngo VTH, Bajaj T. Ibuprofen. [Updated 2024 Aug 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542299/
2Hoshino, Tomofumi et al. “Effects of NSAIDs on the Inner Ear: Possible Involvement in Cochlear Protection.” Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 3,5 1286-1295. 27 Apr. 2010, doi:10.3390/ph3051286 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4033980/
3Curhan, Sharon G et al. “Longitudinal Study of Analgesic Use and Risk of Incident Persistent Tinnitus.” Journal of general internal medicine vol. 37,14 (2022): 3653-3662. doi:10.1007/s11606-021-07349-5 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9585140/
4Curhan, Sharon G et al. “Analgesic use and the risk of hearing loss in men.” The American journal of medicine vol. 123,3 (2010): 231-7. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2009.08.006 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2831770/
5Jung, T T et al. “Ototoxicity of salicylate, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, and quinine.” Otolaryngologic clinics of North America vol. 26,5 (1993): 791-810. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8233489/
6Gerriets V, Anderson J, Patel P, et al. Acetaminophen. [Updated 2024 Jan 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482369/
7Cazals, Y. “Auditory sensori-neural alterations induced by salicylate.” Progress in neurobiology vol. 62,6 (2000): 583-631. doi:10.1016/s0301-0082(00)00027-7 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10880852/
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