Tinnitus

At Spokane ENT, we provide comprehensive evaluation and management of tinnitus, which is the perception of sound in the ears or head without an external source. Tinnitus can manifest as ringing, buzzing, hissing, clicking, or other sounds and may be constant or intermittent. While tinnitus itself is not a disease, it is often a symptom of an underlying condition such as hearing loss, exposure to loud noise, ear infections, or other medical issues. Our team performs thorough evaluation including detailed history taking, physical examination, and audiometric testing to identify potential causes and develop appropriate treatment strategies.

We utilize advanced diagnostic techniques to evaluate tinnitus, including comprehensive audiometric testing to assess hearing function and identify any associated hearing loss. Our evaluation may also include tympanometry to assess middle ear function, otoacoustic emissions testing, and in some cases, imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans to rule out structural causes. We work closely with patients to understand the characteristics of their tinnitus, including its pitch, loudness, and impact on daily life, which helps guide our treatment approach. Our team also evaluates for associated conditions such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, vascular abnormalities, or medication side effects that may contribute to tinnitus.

Our treatment approach for tinnitus is individualized and may include a combination of strategies depending on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. For patients with hearing loss, hearing aids can often help by amplifying external sounds and reducing the perception of tinnitus. We also provide counseling and education about tinnitus, sound therapy using white noise or other masking sounds, and in some cases, cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to help patients manage the emotional and psychological impact of tinnitus. For patients with specific underlying causes such as cerumen impaction or middle ear disorders, we address those conditions directly. Our goal is to help patients reduce the impact of tinnitus on their quality of life and develop effective coping strategies.