What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external sound is present. Often described as ringing, buzzing, humming, or hissing, tinnitus can vary in pitch, loudness, and duration. While some people experience it as a mild nuisance, for others, it can significantly impact their quality of life. Learn more about common tinnitus symptoms and their causes.
What Causes Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is not a condition itself but a symptom of an underlying issue. Some common causes include:
- Hearing Loss: Damage to the cochlear hair cells from aging or noise exposure can lead to tinnitus.
- Noise Exposure: Prolonged exposure to loud sounds (concerts, machinery, firearms) can result in both hearing loss and tinnitus.
- Ear Conditions: Issues such as earwax blockage, ear infections, or eustachian tube dysfunction can cause or exacerbate tinnitus.
- Medications: Certain drugs, including high doses of aspirin, some antibiotics, and chemotherapy agents, are known to cause tinnitus.
- Health Conditions: High blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and stress/anxiety can all contribute to tinnitus.
Types of Tinnitus
Tinnitus can be classified into several categories:
- Subjective Tinnitus (most common): Perceived only by the patient; typically linked to hearing loss, noise exposure, or auditory system dysfunction.
- Objective Tinnitus (rare): Can sometimes be heard by the clinician; often related to vascular (blood flow) or muscular causes.
- Pulsatile Tinnitus (red flag): Rhythmic, heartbeat-like sound; may indicate a vascular issue. Prompt medical evaluation is recommended.
The type of tinnitus directly influences the evaluation and treatment for tinnitus. Hearing-loss–related tinnitus often improves with hearing aids and sound therapy. A doctor-led evaluation is essential to distinguish the type and rule out any medical causes.
How is Tinnitus Diagnosed?
At Golden Ears Audiology, Dr. Sonia Penaroza, Au.D., performs a thorough tinnitus evaluation using advanced diagnostic tools. The process may include:
- Hearing Test (Audiogram): To determine if hearing loss is present.
- Tinnitus Pitch and Loudness Matching: Helps identify the specific characteristics of the tinnitus.
- Speech Testing: Evaluates how well speech is processed in quiet and noisy environments.
- Questionnaires: Used to assess the severity of the tinnitus and its impact on daily life.
This doctor-led approach provides precise, personalized results using modern equipment to guide the most effective tinnitus treatment plan.
Is There a Cure for Tinnitus?
Currently, there is no universal cure for tinnitus, but there are effective management strategies that bring tinnitus relief to many patients. While tinnitus cannot always be eliminated, the right treatment for tinnitus can dramatically improve comfort and quality of life.
Tinnitus Treatment Options at Golden Ears Audiology
At Golden Ears Audiology, we offer several evidence-based approaches to manage tinnitus:
- Hearing Aids: For many patients, hearing aids provide immediate relief from tinnitus. A large portion of individuals experience their tinnitus completely disappearing as soon as they put on appropriately fitted hearing aids. Even in cases where tinnitus doesn't completely disappear, most patients report significant reduction in their tinnitus perception. This is because hearing aids restore the missing sounds your brain is trying to compensate for, while also providing advanced tinnitus masking features. Learn more about hearing aids in Lakeway.
- Sound Therapy: White noise machines, tinnitus maskers, or apps that provide background noise can help reduce tinnitus perception.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals change their response to tinnitus, reducing stress and emotional distress.
- Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT): A combination of counseling and sound therapy to help the brain habituate to tinnitus.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Reducing caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol consumption, along with stress management techniques, can help lessen tinnitus symptoms.
When Should You See an Audiologist?
You should schedule an evaluation if:
- Your tinnitus is persistent and bothersome.
- It affects your concentration, sleep, or emotional well-being.
- It occurs suddenly or is accompanied by hearing loss or dizziness.
- You hear rhythmic pulsing sounds (pulsatile tinnitus), which could indicate a vascular issue.
Learn more about the tinnitus warning signs and symptoms that indicate you should seek professional help.
What to Expect During Your Visit
At your appointment, a comprehensive evaluation will be conducted to assess your tinnitus and hearing health. Your audiologist will discuss your symptoms, perform testing, and provide tailored recommendations. Treatment may include hearing aids, sound therapy, or referrals for additional care if needed.
Tinnitus management is an ongoing process, and working with an audiologist can help you regain control over your auditory health. The process is simple, comfortable, and guided entirely by Dr. Penaroza to help you feel at ease. During your tinnitus evaluation, you’ll review your test results together and discuss options for hearing tinnitus treatment.
Schedule Your Tinnitus Consultation
If you’re ready to take control of your tinnitus, Golden Ears Audiology in Lakeway, TX, makes it easy to get started. Led by Dr. Sonia Penaroza, Au.D., our tinnitus treatment center provides personalized care and advanced tinnitus evaluation to identify the best solution for you.
New patients are always welcome. Schedule a tinnitus consultation today to begin your path toward relief and explore the benefits of hearing aids for improving both hearing and tinnitus management.
