The treatment of tinnitus with oral anticonvulsants

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Abstract
The oral anticonvulsants carbamazepine and diphenylhydantoin were tested against i.v. lignocaine for their effectiveness in relieving tinnitus. Patients were given a full audiological examination to determine the nature of tinnitus and hearing loss; disequilibrium and vertigo were noted. Audiometric changes and side effects due to carbamazepine and diphenylhydantoin were studied. Tinnitus was relieved by the drugs, but returned on withdrawal of the drugs. Apparently oral anticonvulsant therapy is a viable alternative treatment for tinnitus, and newer anticonvulsants may be more effective, with fewer side effects.