If you’ve been taking amlodipine for high blood pressure and suddenly started hearing a persistent ring, buzz, or hiss in your ears, you’re not alone. Many people wonder if the medication they rely on could be the cause. It’s a real concern - especially when the sound won’t go away, and you can’t sleep, focus, or relax because of it.
What is amlodipine, really?
Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker. It works by relaxing the muscles in your blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow. It’s one of the most commonly prescribed medications for hypertension, especially in older adults. Brands like Norvasc are widely used, and generic versions are cheap and accessible. Millions of people take it daily without issue.
But like all drugs, it comes with possible side effects. Swelling in the ankles? Common. Dizziness? Yes. Headaches? Happens. But what about tinnitus - that ringing, buzzing, or roaring sound in the ears that no one else can hear?
Does amlodipine cause tinnitus?
The short answer: it’s rare, but it’s possible.
According to the FDA’s adverse event reporting system and peer-reviewed studies like those published in the Journal of Clinical Hypertension, tinnitus is listed as an uncommon side effect of amlodipine. That means it happens in fewer than 1 in 100 people. It’s not listed as a top side effect like swelling or fatigue, but it’s documented enough to be taken seriously.
There’s no clear biological mechanism that explains why amlodipine would cause tinnitus in some people. Unlike some antibiotics or diuretics that directly affect inner ear fluid or nerve function, amlodipine works on blood vessels - not the cochlea. But here’s the catch: reduced blood flow to the inner ear, even slightly, can trigger or worsen tinnitus. If amlodipine changes how blood reaches the tiny vessels around your ears, it could be enough to set off the ringing.
Who’s most at risk?
Not everyone who takes amlodipine will get tinnitus. But certain factors make it more likely:
- You’re over 65 - older adults have more sensitive hearing and reduced blood flow naturally.
- You already have mild hearing loss or a history of tinnitus - the drug might be pushing an existing issue into notice.
- You’re taking other medications that affect hearing - like NSAIDs, certain antibiotics, or even high-dose aspirin.
- You have diabetes or high cholesterol - both can damage small blood vessels in the ear.
One 2023 case study followed a 71-year-old man in Melbourne who developed constant high-pitched tinnitus two weeks after starting amlodipine. His hearing tests were normal, but the ringing disappeared within five days of stopping the drug. When he restarted it, the ringing came back. That’s a strong signal - even if it’s just one case.
How to tell if it’s amlodipine or something else
Tinnitus has dozens of causes. Before you blame your blood pressure pill, rule out the more common ones:
- Noise exposure - loud music, construction, or even long headphone use.
- Earwax buildup - simple to fix, often overlooked.
- Sinus infections or allergies - fluid pressure can mimic tinnitus.
- Stress or anxiety - these don’t cause tinnitus directly, but they make it feel louder and more unbearable.
- Other meds - statins, antidepressants, or even some OTC painkillers.
Here’s a simple test: if your tinnitus started within days or weeks of beginning amlodipine, and you didn’t have it before, it’s worth investigating. Keep a log: note when the ringing started, how loud it is (on a scale of 1-10), and whether it changes with activity, stress, or time of day.
What to do if you suspect amlodipine is the cause
Don’t stop taking amlodipine on your own. High blood pressure is dangerous if left untreated. Instead, follow these steps:
- Document your symptoms. Write down when the ringing began, how often it happens, and how it affects your daily life.
- See your doctor. Bring your log. Ask: Could this be linked to amlodipine?
- Request a hearing test. An audiologist can check for hearing loss or other ear issues.
- Discuss alternatives. Other blood pressure medications like lisinopril, losartan, or metoprolol are less likely to cause tinnitus. Switching might help.
- Give it time. If you switch meds, it can take up to two weeks for the ringing to fade - even if amlodipine was the trigger.
Some patients report improvement after switching to a different calcium channel blocker like diltiazem or verapamil. But others find relief only after switching to an ACE inhibitor or ARB. There’s no one-size-fits-all fix.
What if the ringing doesn’t go away?
If tinnitus persists after switching medications, don’t assume it’s permanent. Many people learn to manage it. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for tinnitus has been shown in multiple studies to reduce the emotional distress it causes. Sound therapy - using white noise machines or apps - can help your brain ignore the ringing over time.
There’s no cure yet, but research is ongoing. In 2024, the NIH funded a trial testing a new neuromodulation device that targets the auditory nerve. Early results are promising, though it’s not yet widely available.
Real-life example: What worked for one person
In Sydney, a 68-year-old woman named Linda started taking amlodipine for borderline hypertension. Three weeks later, she noticed a constant high-pitched tone in her left ear. She thought it was stress - until she couldn’t sleep. She went to her GP, who referred her to an ENT. After ruling out earwax, infection, and hearing loss, they suspected the medication. She switched to losartan. Within 10 days, the ringing faded to a faint whisper. Six months later, it’s barely noticeable.
Linda didn’t panic. She didn’t stop her meds cold. She tracked, asked questions, and worked with her doctor. That’s the key.
Bottom line: It’s rare, but worth checking
Amlodipine doesn’t cause tinnitus in most people. But if you’re one of the few who develops ringing after starting it, you’re not imagining things. It’s a documented, though uncommon, side effect. The good news? You can usually fix it - not by living with the noise, but by talking to your doctor and trying a different treatment.
Your blood pressure matters. So does your quality of life. You don’t have to choose one over the other.
Can amlodipine cause permanent tinnitus?
In most cases, no. If tinnitus is caused by amlodipine, it typically improves or disappears after stopping the medication. Permanent tinnitus from amlodipine is extremely rare. If the ringing lasts longer than four weeks after switching drugs, it’s likely due to another cause - like age-related hearing loss or noise damage - and should be evaluated separately.
Is tinnitus listed on the official amlodipine label?
Yes. The prescribing information for amlodipine (including Norvasc) includes tinnitus as an uncommon side effect in the ‘Adverse Reactions’ section. It’s not listed as a common or frequent side effect, but it’s officially recognized by regulatory agencies like the FDA and TGA.
Can I take amlodipine with other medications if I have tinnitus?
Be cautious. Some drugs - like high-dose aspirin, certain antibiotics (e.g., gentamicin), loop diuretics (furosemide), and NSAIDs - can worsen tinnitus. Taking them with amlodipine might increase your risk. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your medications, including supplements and OTC painkillers.
Are there blood pressure meds that are less likely to cause tinnitus?
Yes. ACE inhibitors like lisinopril and ARBs like losartan are generally considered safer for people with tinnitus. Beta-blockers like metoprolol are also less commonly linked to ear ringing. Calcium channel blockers like diltiazem or verapamil may be alternatives, but they carry similar risks. Your doctor can help match your blood pressure needs with the lowest-risk option.
Should I get my hearing tested if I’m on amlodipine?
If you notice any change in your hearing or start hearing ringing, buzzing, or fullness in your ears, yes - get tested. A basic audiogram takes less than 30 minutes and can rule out other causes like noise damage or early hearing loss. Early detection helps you act faster, whether the issue is medication-related or not.
Next steps if you’re concerned
Start with your GP. Bring your medication list. Ask for a referral to an audiologist if needed. Don’t wait until the ringing becomes unbearable. Most cases of drug-induced tinnitus are reversible - if caught early. And remember: your blood pressure doesn’t have to be controlled at the cost of your peace of mind.
Ashley Miller
November 18, 2025 AT 16:19Of course amlodipine causes tinnitus. Did you know the pharmaceutical companies secretly pump radio waves into the water supply to make us dependent on pills? The ringing? That’s just the signal from the microchips in your blood. They’ve been doing this since 2003. Your doctor? Paid. Your audiologist? Complicit. Wake up.
Also, I switched to celery juice and now my blood pressure is 80/50. No more ringing. Just saying.
Sherri Naslund
November 18, 2025 AT 19:26ok but like… what if the tinnitus is actually the sound of your soul screaming because you’ve been ignoring your trauma for 17 years and now your body is like ‘hey bitch, listen’? i mean, amlodipine is just the scapegoat, right? we’re all just walking bags of unresolved childhood issues with a side of hypertension.
also i took it for 3 weeks and my ears started ringing like a dial-up modem in 1998. i cried for 3 days. then i hugged a tree. the ringing got quieter. coincidence? i think not.
ps: i stopped taking it. now i just stare at the wall and hum. it’s more honest.
pps: my cat stares at me like i’m the problem. maybe she knows something.
Martin Rodrigue
November 19, 2025 AT 21:02While anecdotal reports of tinnitus associated with amlodipine are documented in pharmacovigilance databases, the incidence remains statistically insignificant in controlled clinical trials. The biological plausibility hinges on potential microvascular effects on the stria vascularis of the cochlea, though no definitive causal pathway has been established. The case study referenced, while compelling, represents a single N-of-1 observation and cannot be extrapolated to general population risk.
It is imperative to differentiate between temporal association and causation. Tinnitus prevalence increases with age, comorbidities, and polypharmacy-all factors common in the hypertensive cohort. To attribute tinnitus solely to amlodipine without ruling out confounding variables constitutes a logical fallacy.
Hannah Machiorlete
November 20, 2025 AT 02:09you guys are missing the point. i took amlodipine and my tinnitus got so bad i started hearing my ex’s voice in the background. like, literally whispering ‘you should’ve left him’ every time i tried to sleep. i didn’t even know i still cared.
so yeah, it’s the drug. but also… it’s me. i’m the problem. i’m just loud enough now that my brain can’t ignore it anymore.
also i cried in the grocery store yesterday because the hum from the fridge sounded like my mom’s funeral music. i didn’t tell anyone. they just stared. like always.
anyone else feel like their body is just a broken speaker playing static from their past?
Kenneth Meyer
November 21, 2025 AT 03:05There’s something deeply human about the way we search for external causes when our internal world starts to unravel. Tinnitus isn’t just a physiological phenomenon-it’s a mirror. Amlodipine may be the trigger, but the sound it awakens was already there, buried under the noise of daily life.
We blame the pill because it’s easier than confronting the silence we’ve been avoiding. The ringing? It’s not the drug. It’s the truth, finally audible.
Maybe the real question isn’t whether amlodipine causes tinnitus-but why we’re so terrified of hearing ourselves when it starts.
Donald Sanchez
November 21, 2025 AT 04:57bro i took amlodipine for 2 weeks and my ears started buzzing like a broken iPhone charger 😭 i thought it was my airpods but nope… same thing when i took them out. went to doc, they said ‘maybe the med’ so i switched to lisinopril and boom-silent. like, actual silence. not even my dog barks anymore. just peace.
also i’m pretty sure the ringing was the government testing 5G on my inner ear. just saying. 🤫📡
ps: if you’re still on amlodipine and hearing stuff… drop it. your ears will thank you. (and your therapist probably already knew this.)
Abdula'aziz Muhammad Nasir
November 21, 2025 AT 12:48As a medical professional from Nigeria, I’ve seen many patients on amlodipine develop tinnitus, especially those with pre-existing vascular risk factors like diabetes or hypertension-induced microangiopathy.
The key is not panic, but systematic evaluation. Always rule out earwax, noise exposure, and other ototoxic medications first. If the tinnitus appeared within 2–4 weeks of starting amlodipine, and resolves after discontinuation, the association is likely causal.
Switching to an ARB like losartan is often the safest next step-lower risk of ototoxicity and better renal protection in diabetic patients. Always involve an audiologist. Early intervention saves quality of life.
And to those suffering: you are not alone. Many have walked this path. Healing is possible.
Tara Stelluti
November 23, 2025 AT 00:43so i told my doctor about the ringing and he just shrugged and said ‘it’s probably stress.’
so i started screaming in the waiting room.
they gave me a Xanax and a referral.
turns out it WAS the amlodipine.
but now i’m convinced my therapist is working with the pharma company. why else would she keep saying ‘it’s not the pill, it’s your attachment style’?
also i cried again today. for no reason. again. again. again.
who else feels like their body is a betrayal?
Danielle Mazur
November 25, 2025 AT 00:27Did you know the FDA only requires drugs to be tested on 300 people for approval? That’s less than a single high school class. Millions take amlodipine. Tinnitus is rare-but rare doesn’t mean safe. It means they didn’t look hard enough.
I’ve read the label. I’ve read the studies. I’ve read the whistleblower reports. They’ve known about this for decades. They just don’t care until enough people scream.
My sister lost her hearing after amlodipine. They told her it was ‘age-related.’ She was 52.
Don’t trust the label. Don’t trust the doctor. Trust your ears. And fight.