Tinnitus: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

How Common Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is extremely common. About one‑third of all adults experience it at some point in their lives (approximately 2.6 billion people affected worldwide). Roughly 10%–15% of adults develop tinnitus that is more loud, disruptive, and prolonged to require medical evaluation. While tinnitus can be frustrating, it is not a disease—it is a symptom that can signal an underlying issue. However, in many cases, the precise cause of tinnitus isn’t known.

Tinnitus is not a disease, but a symptom—similar to how fever or headaches occur alongside many illnesses. Tinnitus is associated with a wide range of underlying conditions.

Tinnitus is also more common with age. The older you get, the higher the prevalence of chronic tinnitus.

Common Causes of Tinnitus

Several medical or environmental factors may contribute to tinnitus, including:

• Hearing loss
• Loud noise exposure (e.g. yard tools,factories, loud music, firearms)
• Drugs or medicines that are toxic to hearing (ototoxic - e.g. cisplatin for cancer)
• Earwax buildup
• Head or neck injury
• Ménière’s disease
• Migraine headaches
• Anemia
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Certain types of tumors

Should You See an Audiologist?

Yes—especially if:

• You notice hearing changes
• Tinnitus is frequent or disruptive
• You want guidance on treatment options

Tinnitus is a symptom of some other health condition. Because tinnitus is often linked to hearing loss, a comprehensive hearing evaluation by an audiologist is essential. Your physician may also check for other medical issues contributing to your symptoms.

An audiologist (preferably certified by the American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association also known as ASHA) can evaluate your hearing, identify potential causes, and recommend appropriate next steps for treatment.

How Audiologists Evaluate Tinnitus

Although tinnitus cannot be directly measured, audiologists can use the information and details you provide based on your experiences, as well as complete specialized hearing tests that help estimate the pitch, frequency, and loudness

When no specific cause is identified, tinnitus can still be managed successfully using methods such as:

• Hearing aids
  • If you have hearing loss, there’s a strong possibility that using hearing aids will help improve your hearing and reduce your tinnitus. An ASHA‑certified audiologist can guide you through selecting, fitting, and purchasing the hearing aids that best meet your needs. They will also teach you how to use your hearing aids effectively so you can get the greatest benefit from them.
• Cochlear implants
  • Cochlear implants are advanced hearing devices that bypass damaged parts of the inner ear and directly stimulate the hearing nerve. They provide a sense of sound for individuals with severe to profound hearing loss who receive little benefit from traditional hearing aids.
• Tinnitus sound generators
  • Tinnitus sound generators resemble hearing aids and create external sounds that help make tinnitus seem less noticeable. These sounds can provide a distraction and are often easier to tolerate than the tinnitus itself. The way you describe your tinnitus—such as its pitch, loudness, and location—helps determine which type of sound may offer the most relief. If you have both tinnitus and hearing loss, a sound generator can sometimes be combined with a hearing aid in a single device. As with all tinnitus treatments, sound generators are helpful for some people but not for everyone. A thorough evaluation by an audiologist can help determine whether a tinnitus sound generator is likely to benefit you.
• Sound machines
  • Sound machines that create a steady, soothing background noise can be especially helpful at night or in quiet settings. Everyday sources of gentle sound—such as fish tanks, fans, soft music, or indoor water fountains—may also provide relief. In addition, many apps for portable media players (such as smartphones and MP3 players) offer a range of calming sounds that can help reduce the annoyance of tinnitus.
• Avoid loud and damaging noise
• Turn down the volume when listening to things (set it to less than half volume is preferred)
• Wear hearing protection (e.g. earplugs, earmuffs)
• Relaxation therapy
• Counseling and education
• Habituation therapies
• Biofeedback
• Hypnosis
• Electrical stimulation (used in select cases)

ENT physicians and audiologists often work together to tailor a treatment plan for tinnitus based on your unique needs.

Should You Join a Tinnitus Support Group?

Yes—many individuals find comfort and empowerment in sharing experiences with others. Support groups provide:

• Encouragement
• Management strategies
• Reassurance that tinnitus is manageable

Resources and support networks are also available through the American Tinnitus Association.

Contact an Audiologist for Tinnitus Support

If tinnitus is affecting your quality of life, our team can help you understand your symptoms and explore effective treatment options.

At The Centers for Advanced ENT Care - Montgomery Otolaryngology, we have a dedicated team of board-certified ENT physicians and audiologists who work in collaboration to diagnose, treat, and manage your tinnitus. Get started today by calling our office in Gaithersburg, MD at (301) 963-6334, or Silver Spring, MD at (301) 593-5200, or by using the convenience and ease of online scheduling.