Tinnitus Specialist

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is persistent noise in your ears that's not coming from an outside source. The noise, which is often a ringing sound, may be constant or only happen occasionally. Tinnitus results from a problem with your brain or the inner, outer, or middle ear.

Possible causes of tinnitus include listening to loud music or exposure to deafening noises like construction work over a prolonged period. Trauma to the ear from a blow, fall, or auto accident can also trigger tinnitus, as can recurrent, untreated ear infections.

What sounds might I hear with tinnitus?

Tinnitus sounds may be low- or high-pitched and vary greatly between different people. As well as ringing in the ears, other sounds you might hear include:

• Humming
• Buzzing
• Whistling
• Hissing
• Crackling
• Thumping
• Cricket chirping

There are different forms of tinnitus, too. If you can hear the sounds but no one else can, you have subjective tinnitus. If your provider at Desert Cities Allergy & Otolaryngology can hear the sound when they listen closely, you have objective tinnitus.

A third form of the condition is pulsatile tinnitus, in which you hear a clicking noise that matches your heart's rhythm.

How is tinnitus assessed?

Tinnitus is unique to every patient, so your provider at Desert Cities Allergy & Otolaryngology works with you to understand what sounds you're hearing and how they affect your life.

Your provider performs a physical exam of your ears, head, and neck to check for any injuries. You might also undergo a hearing test called an audiogram and may have a CT or MRI scan to rule out any underlying causes of your tinnitus.

What treatments are available for tinnitus?

The treatment that's going to be most effective in easing your tinnitus varies according to the condition's cause. Potential tinnitus therapies include:

• Prescription medication
• White noise for distraction
• Biofeedback
• Avoiding caffeine and aspirin
• Stress management

Tinnitus symptoms don't normally require surgical treatment. The only time that might change is if tests show you have a tumor or aneurysm (an aneurysm is an artery that's swollen with blood).

If you have tinnitus and it's causing you distress, the experts at Desert Cities Allergy & Otolaryngology are ready to help. Call the office most conveniently located to you or book an appointment online today.