Tinnitus can be one of the most frustrating hearing-related problems to deal with because the ringing, buzzing or humming sounds seem to have no obvious source. You might find it hard to concentrate at work, struggle to fall asleep at night or feel distracted during conversations because of the constant noise in your ears. Many people try to ignore it or hope it will go away on its own, but tinnitus often requires professional help to understand what’s causing it and how to manage it effectively. The problem is complex enough that you need someone who really understands how hearing works and what treatment options are available.

Audiologists specialize in hearing health and have the training and experience needed to properly evaluate tinnitus and develop treatment plans that actually work. They can determine whether your tinnitus is related to hearing loss, earwax buildup, medication side effects or other underlying causes that might not be obvious to you. More importantly, they understand which management strategies are most likely to help your specific situation.

Understanding Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the experience of hearing sounds that do not come from an external source. These sounds can vary widely from person to person, often described as ringing, buzzing, hissing or humming. Some people may hear clicking, roaring or even musical tones. The sounds can occur in one ear or both and may be constant or come and go over time. Because tinnitus is subjective, only the person experiencing it can hear these noises.

The symptoms of tinnitus can differ in intensity and frequency. For some, the sounds are faint and barely noticeable, while for others they can be louder and more distracting. Tinnitus may also change with the environment, becoming more noticeable in quiet settings or at night when there is less background noise. Along with the sound itself, some people report feelings of pressure or fullness in the ears or a sensitivity to other sounds.

There are many possible causes of tinnitus, often related to changes or damage within the auditory system. Common factors include:

Exposure to loud noise, like concerts or heavy machinery
Age-related hearing changes
Ear infections or blockages from earwax buildup
Certain medications that can affect hearing
Head or neck injuries
Medical conditions that impact blood flow or nerve function

Are There Different Types of Tinnitus?

Tinnitus can present itself in different forms depending on the source and nature of the sounds experienced. The two main types are subjective tinnitus and objective tinnitus, each with distinct characteristics.

Subjective tinnitus is the most common type and involves sounds that only the person affected can hear. These sounds come from changes or disruptions in the auditory system, such as damage to the inner ear or issues with how the brain processes sound. Since the noise is generated internally, it cannot be detected by others or measured with standard instruments.

Objective tinnitus is much rarer and involves sounds that can sometimes be heard by an outside listener. These noises usually come from physical sources within the body, such as blood flow irregularities, muscle spasms near the ear or problems with the middle ear bones.

Beyond these two broad categories, tinnitus can also be described based on its pattern and timing. For example, some people experience intermittent tinnitus, where the sounds come and go at different times. Others have continuous tinnitus, with sounds present most or all of the time. The pitch can vary as well, from high-pitched ringing to low-frequency humming or buzzing.

How Tinnitus Can Change Your Daily Routines

Tinnitus can affect many parts of your daily life in ways you might not expect. Concentrating at work or school can become more challenging when unwanted sounds compete for your attention. This may make reading, writing or following conversations more exhausting. Even routine tasks like cooking, driving or running errands might feel more draining if your focus is divided between what you’re doing and the noise you’re hearing.

Sleep is often one of the hardest areas to manage with tinnitus. Falling asleep can take longer when your mind is focused on the background sounds. Staying asleep may also be difficult if the tinnitus becomes louder or more noticeable during quiet nighttime hours. This disruption can leave you feeling tired and less refreshed in the morning, which can affect your mood and energy throughout the day.

Quiet moments meant for relaxation or hobbies might also lose some of their calming effect. Whether it’s reading a book, watching TV or simply sitting in silence, tinnitus can make it harder to unwind. Social situations can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to listen in noisy environments, leading to frustration or the urge to avoid gatherings. Over time, these challenges can add up and impact your overall quality of life.

When to See an Audiologist for Tinnitus

Knowing when to see an audiologist for tinnitus can make a significant difference in managing your experience. If you notice persistent or bothersome sounds that affect your concentration, sleep or daily activities, it’s a good idea to schedule a visit. Sudden onset of tinnitus, changes in the sound or accompanying symptoms like dizziness, hearing loss or ear pain also call for professional evaluation. An audiologist can help identify possible causes and recommend strategies to reduce the impact on your life.

During your first appointment, the audiologist will begin by discussing your tinnitus symptoms in detail. They will ask about the nature of the sounds you hear, how often they occur and how they affect your daily routine. Your medical and hearing history will be reviewed to look for potential factors contributing to tinnitus. The audiologist will then perform a thorough hearing evaluation using specialized tests to measure how well you hear different tones and speech. At the end of the appointment, the audiologist will explain the findings and discuss possible next steps or management options tailored to your needs.

Are Tinnitus and Hearing Loss Connected?

Tinnitus and hearing loss often occur together, but they are not the same thing. Many people with hearing loss experience tinnitus as a result of changes in the auditory system. When the ear or auditory nerves are damaged or weakened, the brain may receive incomplete sound signals. To fill in these gaps, the brain can create the perception of sounds that aren’t actually present, which is experienced as tinnitus.

Not everyone with hearing loss develops tinnitus, and some people have tinnitus without noticeable hearing loss. However, the two issues share common causes, like noise exposure, aging and certain medical issues. Hearing loss can make tinnitus more noticeable because the brain focuses more on internal sounds when external sounds are reduced. Understanding this connection helps explain why managing hearing loss can sometimes reduce the impact of tinnitus and improve overall listening comfort.

Common Tests Used To Check For Tinnitus

Several tests help audiologists learn more about your hearing health and tinnitus. These tests show how well you hear different sounds and identify patterns related to the ringing or buzzing you notice.

Common tests include:

Pure-tone hearing test to check how well you hear different pitches
Speech recognition test to measure how clearly you understand spoken words
Tinnitus matching, where you describe the sound and loudness of your tinnitus
Tympanometry to assess how your eardrum moves

Learning About Sound Therapy Choices For Symptom Relief

Sound therapy is one option that your specialist may recommend for managing tinnitus symptoms. This approach uses different types of sounds to make ringing or buzzing less noticeable in daily life.

Some people find that certain background noises help them focus, relax or sleep better. Others use sound therapy devices or apps designed to play gentle sounds at specific volumes.

Types of sound therapy options include:

White noise machines
Fans or air purifiers
Soft music or nature sounds
Hearing aids with built-in sound features
Smartphone apps for sound masking

Using Hearing Aids for Tinnitus

Hearing aids can be helpful for people who have both hearing loss and tinnitus. Making everyday sounds clearer and easier to hear can help reduce how much you notice ringing or buzzing in your ears when using hearing aids.

Some hearing aids include special masking features designed for those with tinnitus:

Built-in sound generators that play gentle background noise
Adjustable settings for different listening environments
Options to blend soothing sounds with regular hearing support

What is Tinnitus Retraining Therapy?

Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) is a method designed to help people manage the sounds they hear from tinnitus and reduce the impact these sounds have on daily life. The goal of TRT is not to eliminate tinnitus but to retrain the brain to become less aware of the sounds over time. This approach combines sound therapy with counseling to change how the brain perceives and reacts to tinnitus.

During TRT, sound therapy involves using low-level background noise or specialized noise generators to gently distract the brain from focusing on tinnitus. Counseling provides education about tinnitus, helping individuals understand it and reduce the stress or anxiety often associated with it. Together, these elements work to promote habituation, a process where the brain learns to filter out tinnitus sounds so they no longer interfere with concentration, sleep or overall well-being. TRT typically requires consistent effort over several months, but many people find it leads to significant improvement in how they experience tinnitus.

Lifestyle Adjustments to Alleviate Symptoms

Certain lifestyle adjustments can play a meaningful role in lessening the impact of tinnitus on daily life. Managing stress is one of the most important steps, as stress and anxiety often make tinnitus sounds feel louder or more distracting. Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, regular exercise or engaging in hobbies can help create a calmer mind and reduce the focus on tinnitus. Maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated also support overall ear and brain health, which may contribute to a more balanced auditory experience.

Sleep habits can also influence how tinnitus affects you. Creating a relaxing bedtime routine and minimizing exposure to screens or bright lights before sleep can make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep despite the presence of tinnitus. Using background sounds like a fan, white noise machine or soft music can help mask tinnitus noises during quiet hours. Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, especially in the evening, may also reduce tinnitus intensity for some people. Making these adjustments doesn’t cure tinnitus but can help create a more comfortable environment and improve quality of life.

Taking Steps Toward Better Tinnitus Management

Tinnitus can be really tough to live with when the sounds you hear aren’t coming from the world around you. It can make it hard to focus, get a good night’s sleep or follow conversations, turning everyday moments into a struggle. Figuring out what’s causing the noise is an important step toward feeling more in control and finding some relief. Since tinnitus affects everyone differently, getting personalized support from an audiologist can make a big difference in how you handle it day to day.

If tinnitus is getting in the way of your daily life, talking to an expert can help you find the right approach for your situation. Contact High Desert Hearing Center in Grand Junction, CO at (970) 985-4008 to set up an evaluation and discover different ways to reduce your symptoms.

The Role of Audiologists in Tinnitus Management