Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 5/16/2008

Question
I just had surgery for cancer in which several salivary glands, as well as a number of lymph glands were removed. I remarked to my surgeon that I have an issue with loud, very high-pitched tinnitus, but she's claiming that this is NOT a result of surgery and/or medication. I have worked with audio and music recording since the mid 60's, and didn't have an issue with tinnitus the morning prior to the surgery...just afterwards. The tinnitus is in stereo, and having worked with audio for so many years, I can detect a difference in pitch between what I'm hearing in the left and right ears, so I'm inclined to think the causitive factor is more medication related, although I know that surgery lasers can and DO cause tinnitus. The severity of the tinnitus varies, so is there a possibility that something like a lipoflavanoid formulation might help?

Answer
Ken,
Tinnitus can be caused by many factors.  Many drugs are "ototoxic," or poisonous to the nerves in the ears. Also, with surgery especially in the head area, nerves can be irritated which could also cause tinnitus.  Hearing loss and damage to the inner ear are other reasons, and, with your history of noise exposure, it is very likely you have some type of hearing loss. The cause of the tinnitus must first be diagnosed, or at least try to rule out a medically-treatable condition.  Once this is done, there are several treatments.  Therefore, my advice is to first have your hearing evaluated by an audiologist and then by an ENT.  I have heard of using lipoflavanoids for tinnitus treatment, but I must admit I do not know how effective they are.  I do know that many doctors have prescribed niacin for tinnitus and that is part of the lipoflavanoid formula.  If you are on medication, be sure to check with your doctor first to make sure that there are no interactions with the lipoflavanoids and your medications.
Good luck.  Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified Doctor of Audiology