Ian Purcell MD PhD Monali Patel MD Otoneurology Call 858 223 2172
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Patient education

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is ringing, buzzing, or other sound in the ears with no outside source. It often accompanies hearing loss and can be managed even when it can't be cured.

At a glance

Symptoms
Ringing, buzzing, hissing, or pulsing sound in one or both ears
Common causes
Hearing loss, noise exposure, ear conditions, some medications
How it's diagnosed
Hearing tests and examination; imaging if one-sided or pulsing
Treatment
Hearing aids, sound therapy, counseling, and supplements for some

Overview

Tinnitus is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears, a common problem affecting millions worldwide. It's not a condition itself but a symptom of an underlying condition, such as age-related hearing loss, ear injury, or a circulatory system disorder.

Tinnitus involves hearing sound when no external sound is present. The phantom noise can vary in pitch from a low roar to a high squeal, and you may hear it in one or both ears. In some cases, the sound can be so loud it can interfere with your ability to concentrate or hear external sound. Tinnitus may be present all the time, or it may come and go.

Symptoms

  • Ringing
  • Buzzing
  • Roaring
  • Clicking
  • Hissing
  • Humming

Causes and risk factors

Tinnitus is caused by a variety of conditions that affect the auditory system. Common causes include:

  • Age-related hearing loss
  • Exposure to loud noise
  • Earwax blockage
  • Ear bone changes
  • Meniere's disease
  • TMJ disorders

Risk factors enhance the likelihood of developing tinnitus and include:

  • Loud noise exposure
  • Smoking
  • Cardiovascular problems

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and hearing tests. Additional tests may be conducted to identify any underlying conditions.

Treatment

While there's no cure for tinnitus, several treatments can help make it less bothersome:

  • Noise suppression devices
  • Hearing aids
  • Medications to address underlying conditions
  • Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT)
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Living with Tinnitus

Managing tinnitus involves lifestyle modifications to minimize its impact. Strategies include avoiding potential irritants, covering the noise with softer sounds, managing stress, and reducing alcohol consumption.

Tinnitus can be a frustrating and debilitating condition, but with the right treatment and management strategies, individuals can find relief and improve their quality of life. For more information on managing tinnitus or to explore treatment options, please contact us.

Testing that can help

Evaluation starts with a detailed history, a medication review, and a neurologic examination. Any further testing is chosen from those findings.

Diagnostic testingSee the full range of testing available at the practice.
Specialty care: TinnitusTinnitus is characterized by hearing noises in the ears that are not caused by an external source.Meniere's DiseaseMeniere's disease is an inner ear disorder that causes attacks of vertigo along with fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of fullness in the ear.Acoustic SchwannomasAn acoustic (vestibular) schwannoma is a slow-growing, noncancerous tumor on the nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain, often causing one-sided hearing loss, tinnitus, or imbalance.Tinnitus cocktailThe tinnitus cocktail is a daily regimen of niacin, L-lysine, and Lipoflavonoid that some patients use to reduce the intensity of tinnitus.

When to seek urgent care

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if dizziness or imbalance starts suddenly together with any of the following, since these can be signs of a stroke or another emergency:

  • Weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side
  • Trouble speaking or understanding speech
  • Double vision or sudden loss of vision
  • A sudden, severe headache
  • Inability to walk or stand
  • Chest pain, fainting, or a seizure

Further reading

This article is for general education and does not replace a medical evaluation. Testing and treatment are chosen for each patient after a full history and examination.