Tinnitus Treatment

at Hart Hearing and Balance Centers

Do you suffer from ringing in the ears, or tinnitus? If so, you’re not alone. According to the American Tinnitus Association, as many as 50 million Americans experience tinnitus. Of these 50 million, it’s estimated that only 12 million seek help. The severity of tinnitus is variable from patient to patient, but can range from an easily ignorable nuisance to a debilitating disorder. Many people suffering with tinnitus report interference with sleep, concentration, and attention to detail. Along with tinnitus, it is common that patients also suffer from hyperacusis, which is the inability to tolerate ever moderately-loud sounds.

What Can You Do to Minimize Tinnitus

Protect Your Hearing

Avoid loud noises when possible and wear proper hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs, in high-noise environments.

Manage Stress

Find healthy ways to manage stress, as increased stress can sometimes make tinnitus symptoms more noticeable.

Get Enough Rest

Avoid excessive fatigue by maintaining healthy sleep habits and giving your body enough time to rest and recharge.

Maintain Good Nutrition

Eat a balanced diet and consider reducing salt intake, as certain conditions associated with tinnitus may benefit from lower sodium intake.

Limit Alcohol and Caffeine

Consider reducing alcohol and stimulants such as caffeine if you notice they make your tinnitus more noticeable.

Stay Active

Regular exercise can support overall health, reduce stress, and promote habits that may make tinnitus easier to manage.

Learn About Tinnitus

Understanding tinnitus can help you better recognize your symptoms, explore management strategies, and know when to seek professional care.

Tinnitus Treatment Options

There is no single medication that works for all tinnitus patients. Some antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications address the problems associated with tinnitus. Always consult your physician concerning anything regarding medications. If a relationship between stress and tinnitus is present, stress management strategies often help in tinnitus relief.

I have been delighted with Hart Hearing from Day One. Today Peter Hart allowed me to come in on Saturday when they were closed to fix my hearing aid. He said that he was going to be there catching up on loose ends and he’d be glad to help me. It’s very few practices that would extend such a professional and kind gesture. And thanks to his kindness I don’t have to wait until the weekend is over to enjoy the enhanced hearing that my aids provide me. Thank you, Peter Hart. Hart Hearing is the best!
— Francis C.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conditions of the outer ear, such as ear wax (cerumen), hair, or a foreign body touching the eardrum.
Conditions of the middle ear, such as vascular abnormalities, infection, otosclerosis, muscle spasms, Eustachian tube dysfunction, and benign tumors.
Conditions of the inner ear, such as damage due to noise exposure, presbycusis (hearing loss from aging), labyrinthitis (inner ear infection), and Meniere’s disease (involving hearing loss and dizziness).
Temporary effects of high dosages of medications, such as anti-inflammatories (aspirin, ibuprofen, and quinine) and certain sedatives and antidepressants. There can be possible permanent effects from certain antibiotics and chemotherapeutic agents.
Vascular disorders, acoustic tumors, head or neck aneurysms, hormonal changes, and systemic disorders such as high/low blood pressure, anemia, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, and glucose metabolism abnormalities.
Trauma to the head or neck, cervical (neck) problems, and temporomandibular (jaw joint) misalignment.

Counseling should be part of any tinnitus plan. The goal of counseling is to give the patient all information possible about tinnitus and to help them identify factors that may be causing or worsening it.
If hearing loss is present, hearing aids can often reduce or eliminate tinnitus when worn. This happens because the hearing aids amplify speech and ambient sound that can mask or cover the tinnitus. They may also relieve the stress associated with the adverse impact of hearing loss on communication abilities.
The use of an externally produced sound to cover up, inhibit, or alter the production of tinnitus can offer some relief for tinnitus sufferers. This sound can be produced through a hearing aid-style device to be worn on or in the ear or from an external device that can be placed next to the bed to assist with sleeping. Some informal methods of masking include keeping a fan on to increase sound levels and mask tinnitus.

Consult one of our audiologists at Hart Hearing & Balance Centers to help evaluate tinnitus and develop your management program.
Consult a physician, preferably an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist), to determine if your tinnitus is related to a condition that requires or is amenable to medical or surgical treatment.
Educate yourself about the nature of tinnitus and methods of management. The American Tinnitus Association (ATA) is an excellent source of information.

*Information gathered from the American Academy of Audiology. More information can be found at www.audiology.org.

Schedule Your Visit Today

When tinnitus begins to interfere with daily life, finding the right support can make a real difference. Hart Hearing & Balance Centers provides trusted tinnitus care backed by decades of experience and compassionate patient care.

Whether you are experiencing tinnitus for the first time or have been living with persistent ringing or buzzing, our team is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about tinnitus management options that may help provide relief.

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