No, Tebonin EGb761 is NOT indicated for hearing impairment with popping sound
Clinicians should not recommend Ginkgo biloba (including Tebonin EGb761) for treating patients with persistent, bothersome tinnitus or hearing impairment. 1
Why This Recommendation Exists
The 2014 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery clinical practice guideline explicitly states that Ginkgo biloba should not be recommended for treating persistent, bothersome tinnitus. This recommendation is based on:
- Grade B evidence from randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews
- A preponderance of benefit over harm when avoiding this supplement
- The goal to avoid commonly available supplements that have no proven benefit 1
Important Clarification About Your Symptoms
A "popping sound" in the ear is not tinnitus in the classical sense. This symptom typically suggests:
- Eustachian tube dysfunction (most common)
- Middle ear pathology
- Temporomandibular joint issues
- Patulous eustachian tube
These conditions require proper otolaryngologic evaluation, not dietary supplements. The guideline specifically addresses subjective tinnitus (ringing, buzzing, hissing) - not mechanical sounds like popping 1.
What the Research Actually Shows
While some recent studies suggest potential benefits of EGb761 in sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) specifically 2, 3, 4, these findings:
- Apply only to acute SSNHL (occurring within days)
- Show mixed results with borderline statistical significance
- Do not address chronic hearing impairment or popping sounds
- Have not changed the official guideline recommendations
The 2001 and 1994 studies 5, 6 showed some benefit, but subsequent systematic reviews found insufficient evidence to justify routine use, leading to the current recommendation against it.
What You Should Do Instead
For hearing impairment with associated tinnitus:
- Hearing aid evaluation is the evidence-based first-line intervention 1
- Hearing aids improve both hearing loss AND tinnitus symptoms
- This applies even to mild hearing loss
For popping sounds specifically:
- Seek proper ENT evaluation to identify the underlying cause
- Treatment targets the specific pathology (e.g., nasal decongestants for eustachian tube dysfunction, not supplements)
Critical Pitfall to Avoid
Do not confuse the drug label information provided 7 - this appears to be for terbinafine (an antifungal), not Tebonin/Ginkgo biloba. Terbinafine can actually cause tinnitus and hearing impairment as adverse effects, making this completely inappropriate for your condition.