Ringing in your ears? You are not alone.

Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external sound is present. It can sound like ringing, buzzing, hissing, humming, or clicking. For some people it is mild and occasional. For others it is loud, constant, and distressing.

What causes tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a symptom, not a disease. It can be caused by:

• Hearing loss (the most common cause)
• Noise exposure, especially loud music, machinery, or firearms
• Certain medications, including some antibiotics and high-dose aspirin
• Head or neck injuries
• Earwax blockage
• TMJ or jaw joint problems
• Cardiovascular issues, stress, and anxiety

Because tinnitus can have many causes, a comprehensive evaluation is essential to identify what is driving your symptoms.

Our tinnitus evaluation

At Coastal Hearing Care, our tinnitus evaluation includes:

1. A detailed tinnitus case history to understand the sound, timing, and impact.
2. Comprehensive hearing testing, because most tinnitus is linked to hearing loss.
3. Tinnitus pitch and loudness matching to characterize your specific tinnitus.
4. Sound tolerance testing to check for hyperacusis or sound sensitivity.
5. A personalized management plan based on your evaluation.

Tinnitus management options

Hearing aids with tinnitus programs

Because most tinnitus is linked to hearing loss, hearing aids are often the single most effective tool. Modern hearing aids can amplify soft ambient sounds that mask tinnitus and provide dedicated tinnitus sound therapy programs.

Sound therapy

Custom sound therapy delivered through hearing aids or dedicated devices can gently retrain your brain to pay less attention to the tinnitus signal. Over time, many patients find their tinnitus becomes less bothersome.

Counseling and coping strategies

Understanding your tinnitus reduces the anxiety that often makes it worse. We provide education and coping strategies, and when appropriate, we refer to tinnitus-trained counselors for more intensive support.

Lifestyle changes

Diet, sleep, stress management, and hearing protection all play a role in tinnitus. Small changes often add up to significant relief.

You do not have to live with intrusive tinnitus. There is real, evidence-based help, and it starts with a thorough evaluation.

When to see an audiologist for tinnitus

If your tinnitus is persistent, affecting your sleep or concentration, or has changed suddenly, schedule an evaluation. Sudden tinnitus, especially in one ear, or tinnitus with dizziness or hearing changes should be evaluated promptly.