The nurse would question the client on the use of any of the following medications, as they are all known to cause ringing in the ears as a side effect:
* Aspirin
* Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen
* Antibiotics such as gentamicin or streptomycin
* Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine or loratadine
* Anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine or phenytoin
* Heart medications such as digoxin or amiodarone
* Cancer medications such as cisplatin or vincristine
The nurse would also ask the client about any other medications they are taking, as some over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements can also cause ringing in the ears.
In addition to medication, the nurse would also ask the client about their medical history, as certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and ear infections can also cause ringing in the ears.
Once the nurse has gathered all of this information, they will be able to determine the cause of the client's ringing in the ears and recommend the appropriate treatment.
In addition to medication, there are a number of other things that can cause ringing in the ears, including:
Exposure to loud noise
Earwax buildup
Ear infections
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
Head injury
Meniere's disease
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)