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Tinnitus
At Dallas ENT Group, we provide comprehensive care for a wide range of ear conditions. Our expert team treats ear infections, as well as more complex issues like perforated eardrums. We also address hearing loss, middle and outer ear infections, and other auditory concerns.
​What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus ("Tin-uh-tus") is the perception of sound inside your head without any outside sound or external source. Commonly described as a “ringing” in the ears, it can also be described as a high-pitched pure tone. Tinnitus can manifest in various other forms including buzzing, chirping, pulsing, hissing, static, and crackling.
The type of sound one hears is not the only thing that varies with tinnitus. Each person's experience with tinnitus is unique, making it a challenging condition to manage.
​Symptoms of Tinnitus
While having some form of tinnitus within a person’s lifetime is very common, everyone will experience it differently. Tinnitus can be intermittent or constant, mild or severe. It can also range in intensity from person to person. Some people barely notice it, while others find it significantly impacts their ability to concentrate or sleep. Periods of tinnitus can be brief or persist throughout a person's life.​
​Possible Causes of Tinnitus
Tinnitus is not an illness but rather a symptom of another condition or illness.
Causes of tinnitus include:
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Hearing Loss - This is the most prevalent cause of tinnitus. Permanent hearing loss often results in persistent tinnitus.
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Ear Blockages - Earwax build-up, infections, or other blockages can cause hearing loss and temporary tinnitus until the blockage is resolved.
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Sinus or Allergy Issues
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TMJ Disorders or Jaw Issues
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Dietary Factors - Tinnitus symptoms can be exacerbated by excess consumption of
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Salt
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Caffeine
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Alcohol
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Nicotine
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Stress/Anxiety - This includes a lack of sleep.
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Certain Medications - Certain drugs can induce or worsen tinnitus.
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Genetics and Heredity
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Neurological Issues - Some undetectable neural problems can cause tinnitus.
Identifying the Cause of Tinnitus
​Determining the exact cause of tinnitus can be challenging. Through a detailed case history and medication review, our ENT specialists and audiologist may be able to identify a likely cause of your tinnitus. Currently, however, there is no test to determine a specific cause for tinnitus. Due to the complex and varied nature of tinnitus, some patients may never know the precise reason for their symptoms.
Tinnitus Treatment Options
The best treatment for tinnitus focuses on addressing the underlying cause:
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Hearing Loss: If your tinnitus is due to hearing loss, we can treat the hearing loss with hearing aids. For most patients, treating the hearing loss will improve the perception of the tinnitus.
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Identifiable Causes: For those without hearing loss, treating the underlying issue, such as ear blockages or TMJ disorders, can alleviate tinnitus. If our ENT specialists find a treatable cause, treatment through medication, surgery, or other means may be recommended.
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Other Treatments: When no specific underlying cause is found, several other evidence-based treatments can help manage tinnitus and relieve symptoms. These include:
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Tinnitus sound maskers
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Notch therapy
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Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT)
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Acupuncture
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Vitamin therapy
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Biofeedback
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Hypnosis
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Our ENT specialists and audiologist at Dallas ENT Group will work together to create a personalized treatment plan to help manage your tinnitus effectively.
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