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Tinnitus Treatment and Evaluation

  • Topeka Ear, Nose and Throat
  • Aug 12
  • 3 min read

young woman with hand on ear from pain of tinnitus

Tinnitus, often described as ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears, is a common condition that affects more than 50 million people in the United States, according to the Cleveland Clinic. While it may be mild for some, others experience severe symptoms that interfere with daily life. If you're concerned about tinnitus symptoms, the specialists at Topeka ENT are here to help. Our experienced team offers comprehensive tinnitus evaluations and personalized treatment plans to help manage your condition and improve your quality of life.



What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the medical term for ringing in the ears. Tinnitus is the perception of noise in the ears when no external source is present. The sounds can be soft and barely audible or so loud that they block out external sounds. Please note that tinnitus is not a disease and cannot be cured; however, tinnitus is often a symptom of several health conditions or ear injuries, most of which can be treated.


Common Causes of Tinnitus (a.k.a. ringing in the ears):

Tinnitus can be caused by a range of factors, including:


  • Prolonged exposure to loud noises

  • Impacted earwax

  • Middle or inner ear infections

  • Eardrum injuries

  • Neurological or vascular disorders

  • Damage to the inner ear’s sensory hair cells (cilia)


If you're experiencing persistent or worsening tinnitus, it’s important to get a thorough evaluation to determine the root cause.


How is Tinnitus Treated?

Tinnitus treatment (for ringing in the ears) is highly personalized and depends on the underlying cause and the presence of any associated hearing loss. At Topeka ENT, we take a comprehensive approach, often combining medical evaluation with audiological care to reduce the impact of tinnitus on your daily life.


Our audiologist may recommend:


  • Sound Therapy & White Noise Machines - White noise, nature sounds, or ambient soundscapes can help lessen your tinnitus symptoms. By redirecting the brain's attention to the background noise, white noise can lessen the impact of tinnitus on daily life and boost focus and relaxation. The white noise may help mask the tinnitus sound, making it less noticeable and distracting. 

  • Wear in-ear noise generators - In-ear noise generators, or sound generators, can help manage tinnitus during the day by providing a steady background sound that distracts the brain from concentrating on the tinnitus. This makes the tinnitus less noticeable and can offer relief from the constant ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds. These devices are often used alongside other sound therapies, like white noise, to create a more comfortable and less disruptive environment.


How an ENT Specialist Can Help with Tinnitus

At Topeka ENT, our ear, nose, and throat doctors will perform a full evaluation to identify the cause of your tinnitus and determine whether hearing loss is present. If hearing loss is detected, we’ll measure its type, degree, and location—whether in one or both ears—to guide us toward the most effective treatment options.


Tinnitus Treatment may include:


  • Sound therapy

  • Hearing aids

  • Medication

  • Earwax removal

  • Addressing underlying medical conditions

  • In some cases, surgical intervention


When Should I See a Doctor About Ringing in My Ears? 

You should see a doctor for tinnitus if you experience: 


  • Persistent ringing in the ears (or buzzing in the ears): Tinnitus that lasts for more than a few days or weeks. 

  • Tinnitus that is loud or bothersome: Tinnitus that significantly impacts your daily life or sleep. 

  • Tinnitus accompanied by other symptoms, such as hearing loss, dizziness, ear pain, or discharge. 

  • Sudden onset of tinnitus: Tinnitus that starts abruptly, especially after a head injury or exposure to loud noises. 

  • Pulsatile Tinnitus: Tinnitus that sounds like a heartbeat or pulse. 

  • Tinnitus that is worsening: Tinnitus that is getting louder or more frequent. 

  • Tinnitus associated with a medical condition, such as high blood pressure, anemia, or multiple sclerosis. 


Expert Tinnitus Treatment in Kansas

If you're struggling with ringing in the ears or suspect tinnitus may be affecting your hearing, don't wait to seek care. At Topeka ENT, our experienced team provides expert tinnitus diagnosis and treatment in a supportive, patient-centered environment.


Call us today to schedule your tinnitus evaluation or request an appointment online. Let us help you find lasting relief and improve your quality of life.



 
 
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