Baclofen for Ringing Ears: Does It Help Tinnitus and What You Need to Know
When you hear a constant ring, buzz, or hiss in your ears — baclofen, a muscle relaxant originally developed to treat spasticity in conditions like multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries. Also known as Gablofen, it works by calming overactive nerve signals in the spinal cord and brain — it’s called tinnitus. Many people search for answers beyond hearing aids or white noise machines. Some have tried baclofen after hearing anecdotal reports online. But does it actually help? And more importantly, is it safe to use for something it wasn’t designed for?
Baclofen isn’t approved for tinnitus, and clinical trials haven’t proven it works for most cases. But it’s not just a random guess either. A few small studies, including one published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, looked at baclofen in patients with severe, treatment-resistant tinnitus linked to neurological hyperactivity. A small group reported reduced ringing after taking baclofen, especially when their tinnitus was tied to muscle tension in the jaw or neck. That’s because the muscles around the ear — like the tensor tympani and stapedius — can spasm and create internal noise. Baclofen may quiet those spasms, even if it doesn’t fix the root cause. It’s not a cure, but for some, it’s a temporary relief.
That said, baclofen comes with real risks. Drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, and even confusion are common. If you’re already taking other meds for anxiety, sleep, or pain, mixing them with baclofen can be dangerous. It’s not something to try on your own. And if your tinnitus started after a new medication, infection, or head injury, baclofen won’t fix that. You need to find the trigger — not just mask the sound.
What you’ll find in the posts below are real, practical comparisons of medications and treatments that actually help with ear symptoms. From how muscle relaxants like Flexeril affect the auditory system, to why certain antidepressants reduce tinnitus in some people, to how sleep and hydration play a bigger role than most think — we’ve pulled together the most useful, no-fluff insights. No guesses. No hype. Just what works, what doesn’t, and what you should ask your doctor before trying anything new.