What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound (ringing, buzzing, hissing, whooshing) when no external sound is present. About 15% of US adults have some tinnitus.
It's not a disease itself — it's a symptom of various conditions. Most common: noise-induced hearing damage. Other causes: medications, ear wax, infections, blood vessel issues, jaw problems. No medication directly treats tinnitus; management focuses on identifying triggers and habituation.
Do I have tinnitus? Common signs
If most of these describe what you're experiencing, telehealth may be a good next step:
What causes it
Noise exposure (most common — concerts, machinery, headphones), age-related hearing loss, ear wax, medications (high-dose aspirin, some antibiotics, chemotherapy), Meniere's disease, ear infections, blood vessel disorders, TMJ disorders, neck/jaw issues.
Is it contagious?
No.
There's no magic pill for tinnitus — but habituation training and addressing underlying causes substantially improves quality of life for most.
Can it be treated online?
Routine tinnitus evaluation can start with telehealth. Sudden unilateral tinnitus, hearing loss, pulsatile tinnitus, vertigo, or neurologic symptoms need in-person ENT or audiology evaluation. Bilateral and gradual is less concerning.
How tinnitus is treated
No FDA-approved medication directly for tinnitus. Treat underlying causes: remove ear wax, change medications, manage Meniere's, address TMJ. Sound therapy: white noise, hearing aids with masker features. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) reduces distress. Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT). Antidepressants for severe distress.
Self-care while you wait
- Avoid loud noise — protect ears at concerts, with power tools
- Background noise (fan, music) makes tinnitus less noticeable
- Manage stress — tinnitus is worse with stress
- Sleep with white noise or fan
- Limit caffeine and alcohol if they trigger
- Treat underlying hearing loss with hearing aids
- Avoid silence — perpetuates focus on tinnitus
How long does it last?
Chronic for most. Many people habituate (no longer notice it) with proper management.
Frequently asked questions
Will it ever go away?
Some cases resolve (after removing trigger like medication or ear wax). Most are chronic. Habituation is the realistic goal.
Do hearing aids help?
Yes — for people with hearing loss, hearing aids often reduce tinnitus by re-introducing external sound. Some have tinnitus-masking features.
Are there any new treatments?
Bimodal stimulation devices (Lenire) showed promise. Investigational treatments include various brain stimulation approaches.
Does diet matter?
Caffeine and alcohol worsen tinnitus in some. Salt restriction helps Meniere's-related tinnitus.
Should I see an ENT?
Recommended for sudden tinnitus, unilateral tinnitus, hearing loss, or pulsatile tinnitus.
