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According to new peer-reviewed research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, Chinese scientists report that serotonin, the neurotransmitter targeted by many antidepressants, may actually amplify tinnitus.

In their study, otolaryngology and hearing researchers show that a specific serotonin-driven brain circuit is connected directly to the auditory system. Using advanced light-based brain stimulation in mice, they find that increasing serotonin activity triggers tinnitus-like behaviors. When they turn that circuit off, the tinnitus-like effects become significantly weaker.

This study confirms observations by some patients that tinnitus seems to worsen while taking SSRIs. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors are a common class of antidepressants used to treat depression and anxiety. They include Zoloft, Lexapro, Prozac, Celexa, and Paxil. This research may help explain why they might trigger ear ringing.

The researchers stress that people should not stop prescribed medications on their own. As always, you should work with your medical team to balance mental health benefits with any potential impact on your tinnitus symptoms.

The references for this report are available on my website.

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