What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a medical condition individuals experience in which they hear a ringing, or similar sound in their ears when no external noise is actually present. While individuals typically describe tinnitus as a ringing in their ears, sounds may also include buzzing, hissing, static, jackhammers, locusts, crickets, and others.

Man in pain holding his ear.

What Causes Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a brain condition that may be caused in a number of ways, including the following:

  • Exposure to loud sounds
  • Sudden impact noise
  • Injuries to the head or neck
  • Reaction to medications
  • Emotional distress
  • Hearing loss
  • Natural aging process
  • Muscle tension (TMJ)

What Are The Different Types of Tinnitus?

There are four types of tinnitus:

  • primary
  • secondary
  • pulsatile
  • somatic
  • Primary tinnitus: no identified cause other than hearing loss.
  • Secondary tinnitus: a specific known cause such as ear wax, ear infection, TMJ, etc.
  • Pulsatile tinnitus: characterized by a noise resembling the heartbeat.
  • Somatic tinnitus: typically is related to physical movement and touch (muscle spasms).

Currently, there are no known cures for primary tinnitus, however, there are many management strategies that have been proven useful to provide relief to tinnitus sufferers.

What Are My Treatment Options?

Here at Texas ENT Specialists, our approach involves Progressive Tinnitus Management. We customize Tinnitus Retraining Therapy based on the solutions that work best for you. Our goal is to improve your reaction to tinnitus and potentially reduce the intensity of the sound.

We currently have several audiologists who are trained in performing Tinnitus Consultations. This is a one-on-one visit that focuses on finding you the best solution for achieving relief from your tinnitus.

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What Should I Expect During My Tinnitus Consultation?

Your visit will take approximately an hour or an hour and a half. There are three stages to your consultation:

Stage 1: Discussion

At the onset of the visit, you will be asked to complete three questionnaires that provide the audiologist with pertinent information on how the tinnitus is affecting your life. These include:

  • Tinnitus and Hearing Survey
  • Tinnitus Handicap Inventory
  • Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire

Your audiologist will discuss the results from your questionnaires and ask you several questions regarding your lifestyle and any potential triggers of your tinnitus.

Stage 2: Tinnitus Matching

Your audiologist will have you sit in the sound booth and will work with you to help determine the pitch, frequency, loudness, and intensity of your tinnitus.

Stage 3: Recommendation

During this final section of the consultation, the audiologist will discuss management strategies for the effects tinnitus is having on your life.

Can Tinnitus Be Effectively Managed?

In 2002, a study found that 50% of participants noticed a complete resolution or at least a reduction in their tinnitus spontaneously after 5 years.

Tinnitus treatment is a very individualized approach. One medication may work well for one person and not the other. The tinnitus you’re experiencing is YOUR tinnitus. We strive to help you get on the right path for your success and carefully personalize your treatment and work with you to help ensure results.

What works well for some people in resolving tinnitus may not work well for others. We work with you to find out what works for you.

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About Texas ENT Specialists

Texas ENT Specialists is a multi-location ENT provider with offices across the Houston area. We provide our patients with:

Personalized Treatment

Our providers offer personalized care to understand and treat your ENT condition.

Top-Rated Physician Network

Each of our locations is staffed with a team of experienced providers who have been independently board-certified.

Centers of Excellence

We’ve created a seamless patient experience that starts the minute you walk through our doors.

Continuity of Care

We believe in comprehensive care and are committed to helping you achieve long-term relief from your condition.

What Treatment Options Are Available?

We provide a wide range of treatments for patients with tinnitus. These include the following:

  • Ear level masking devices
  • Cognitive behavior therapy
  • Hearing aids
  • Exercise
  • Vitamins
  • Better sleep
  • Meditation/mindfulness
  • Sound therapy

Based on Clinical Practice Guidelines for Tinnitus from the AAOHN, the following is not recommended to help with tinnitus:

  • Antidepressants
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Ginkgo biloba
  • Melatonin
  • Zinc
  • Intratympanic medication
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Tinnitus Treatment at Texas ENT

At Texas ENT, we are here to help! If your tinnitus is bothersome, please call 281-897-6066 to schedule your one-on-one consultation.

With 15 convenient locations across the greater Houston area, we’re never far away.

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