Blast-Induced tinnitus increased with salicylate administration

In 2010, tinnitus was the leading service-connected disability for veterans resulting in treatment costs of $1.1 billion (Department of Veterans Affairs Annual Benefits Report, 2010). The damage associated with blast-induced tinnitus has previously been shown to contain both peripheral and central damage. Because salicylate thins the blood, we hypothesize that salicylate (the active ingredient in aspirin) induces more brain damage (and tinnitus) when taken immediately after a mild blast exposure than the damage solely associated with the blast exposure.

In this study mice were tested for tinnitus using acoustic startle responses (i.e., pre-pulse inhibition and gap detection tests). Then they were exposed to a 20 psi blast pressure wave, injected with salicylate (200 mg/kg), and then tested for tinnitus twice a week post-blast-exposure. The percentage of animals that developed tinnitus increased significantly in animals that were injected with salicylate. We conclude that salicylate administration has a detrimental influence on brain recovery from blast exposure and should be avoided in populations with a high risk of exposure.