Tinnitus Specialist

What is tinnitus? 

Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is a common problem, especially for adults over 60. With tinnitus, you hear a high-pitched sound that others can't hear. Some people with tinnitus also describe other sounds, such as:

• Hissing 
• Roaring
• Buzzing
• Whooshing
• Humming
• Clicking 

Tinnitus may be constant or sporadic and may vary in intensity. There are two main types of tinnitus, pulsatile or non-pulsatile. With pulsatile tinnitus, you hear the sound of your heartbeat because of abnormal blood flow through the vessels inside the ear. Nonpulsatile tinnitus is more common and isn't associated with any kind of circulatory issue. 

What causes tinnitus?

Causes of pulsatile tinnitus include high blood pressure, head or neck tumors, blocked arteries, or ear infections. Possible underlying reasons for non-pulsatile tinnitus include: 

• Age-related hearing loss
• Loud noise exposure
• Excessive or impacted earwax
• Otosclerosis, or stiffening of the ear bones
• Migraines 

• Meniere's disease
• Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
• Certain medications 
• Thyroid or autoimmune disorders
• Head or neck trauma 

The Lake Grove ENT team asks questions and assesses your ears, head, and neck for signs that may suggest the cause of your tinnitus. 

What is the treatment for tinnitus?

Unfortunately, there is not a cure for tinnitus. Depending on the underlying problem, the Lake Grove ENT team develops a treatment plan to reduce your symptoms and make the ringing in your ears less distracting.

Initially, your provider will work to treat any underlying condition that may contribute to your tinnitus. For example, they may work with your primary care provider to treat your high blood pressure or change medications that could be contributing to the ringing in your ears. Your treatment plan may also include:

• Ear wax removal 
• Changing medications 
• Masking techniques or hearing aids
• Noise suppression therapy 
• Tinnitus retraining devices

If your tinnitus prevents you from sleeping, you may benefit from a white noise machine, having a fan in the room, or running a humidifier while you sleep. While ringing in your ears may be a significant distraction, some of these therapies can help reduce the impact the sound makes on your life. 

For an assessment and treatment plan to improve your tinnitus, call the office or schedule an appointment online with Lake Grove ENT today.