Ringing in the Ears:
When to See an ENT for Tinnitus in Live Oak, TX
The ears and sense of hearing help us navigate the world around us. It’s how we communicate and build relationships with those around us. When the ears hurt or if there are changes to your hearing, it can be frustrating and even scary in some situations.
An ENT specialist in Live Oak, TX, can help evaluate your ear health and hearing, and discuss possible next steps, including treatment options and management strategies appropriate for your condition, depending on clinical findings and individual health factors.
Tinnitus is a common issue that has been reported to affect many individuals. Not only does it present a consistent or intermittent noise in the ears, but it may be associated with hearing changes in some cases
Here’s everything you need to know about tinnitus, how you can recognize it, and what your treatment options are.
What Is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is described as a constant or intermittent perception of sound. Individuals with tinnitus will hear a sound in their ears without a clear external source. While most would describe it as a ringing sound, it might also present as a clicking, buzzing, rushing, humming, hissing, or roaring sound.
Tinnitus is not a disease in itself. Rather, it is a symptom of another underlying medical condition.
Tinnitus is a common issue that can affect people of all ages worldwide, from children to adults. However, it is more common in older adults.
The common symptoms of tinnitus
Tinnitus is often described as a ringing, clicking, buzzing, hissing, rushing, humming, or roaring sound in the ears without a clear external source.
Individuals may hear the sounds at varying degrees and volumes. Some cases of tinnitus can be so soft that they are barely noticeable, while other cases might be so loud that they can interfere with daily activities, hearing, concentration, and sleep.
There are two main types of tinnitus:
- Subjective tinnitus, which is the more common type of tinnitus, means that only the person can hear the sound
- Objective tinnitus, which is the rarer type of tinnitus, means that a physician may hear the sound using a stethoscope and may be linked to an identifiable underlying cause, and may be further evaluated.
The causes of tinnitus
In most cases of tinnitus, the exact cause is difficult to identify. However, it can be associated with a range of conditions, such as:
- Ear infections
- Hearing loss
- Earwax or fluid buildup
- Noise-induced hearing loss
- Head or neck injuries
- Certain medications, especially when taken at high dosages
Some less common, yet possible, risk factors for tinnitus may also include:
- Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD)
- Blood vessel conditions
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
- Meniere’s disease
- Head and neck tumors
- Bone changes in the middle ear
- Muscle spasms in the inner ear
- Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
- Pre-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes, migraines, or anemia
How is tinnitus diagnosed?
If you’re hearing an unexplained sound or any changes in your hearing, it may be appropriate to start with a primary care evaluation. They may check for any wax or fluid buildup in the ears, as well as a possible case of an ear infection. They may also ask about your symptoms, how long you’ve had them, and your medical history.
Depending on clinical findings, they may refer you to an otolaryngologist or an ENT specialist for further evaluation of your ears, head, and neck.
In some cases, you may also be referred to an audiologist or a hearing and balance disorders specialist for further evaluation of your hearing.
Other tests that may be ordered may include imaging tests (such as CT and MRI scans), lab tests, movement tests, and hearing or audiological exams.
Tinnitus Treatment Near Live Oak and San Antonio
There is no one standard treatment approach for tinnitus. Treatment options and management strategies will vary based on clinical findings, the severity of the issue, and other individual health factors.
This may include:
- Earwax or fluid removal
- Hearing aids
- Changes in medication
- White noise machines
- Masking devices, which are worn like hearing aids and produce continuous low-level white noise
- Blood vessel condition treatment
- Tinnitus education
- Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT)
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Cochlear implants for carefully selected patients with severe hearing loss
Frequently Asked Questions About Tinnitus in Live Oak, TX
Can tinnitus be treated?
Tinnitus has no one-size-fits-all treatment. What works for you might not work for others, and vice versa. A consultation with an ENT specialist may help assess your symptoms and provide personalized testing, diagnosis, treatment options, and management strategies appropriate for your condition.
Can tinnitus be prevented?
Tinnitus can’t always be prevented, especially if it results from an underlying medical condition. However, certain habits may help reduce the risk in select cases and support overall ear and hearing health:
- Wear earplugs to protect your ears from excessive noise
- Avoid prolonged and excessive exposure to loud noises
- Turn down the volume when watching TV or listening to music
- Limit alcohol, caffeine, or nicotine intake
When should I see an ENT specialist near me in Live Oak, TX, for tinnitus concerns?
Consider scheduling an appointment to see an ENT specialist near you if you experience the following symptoms:
- A persistent or intermittent ringing, buzzing, clicking, or humming without a clear external source
- Ear infections
- Hearing loss
- Dizzness
- Vertigo
- Balance issues
Understanding Tinnitus and Your Treatment Options in Live Oak, TX
San Antonio Breathe Free provides ENT services in Live Oak and the nearby Texas communities. Visit and explore our website for more information specific to our clinic and services.
