Ringing in your ears? You are not alone.

Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external sound is present. It can sound like ringing, buzzing, hissing, humming, or clicking. For some people it is mild and occasional. For others it is loud, constant, and distressing.

What causes tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a symptom, not a disease. It can be caused by:

• Hearing loss (the most common cause)
• Noise exposure, especially loud music, machinery, or firearms
• Certain medications, including some antibiotics and high-dose aspirin
• Head or neck injuries
• Earwax blockage
• TMJ or jaw joint problems
• Cardiovascular issues, stress, and anxiety

Because tinnitus can have many causes, a comprehensive evaluation is essential to identify what is driving your symptoms.

Questions patients ask about tinnitus

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the perception of sound, such as ringing, buzzing, hissing, or humming, when no outside sound is present. It is a symptom with many possible causes, including hearing loss, noise exposure, earwax, and some medications.

How is tinnitus treated at Coastal Hearing Care?

Treatment starts with a comprehensive hearing and tinnitus evaluation. Depending on the cause and your goals, care may include hearing aids with tinnitus programs, sound therapy, counseling, hearing protection, or referral for medical care.

When should I see an audiologist for tinnitus?

See an audiologist when tinnitus is persistent, affects sleep or concentration, follows loud noise exposure, or occurs with hearing changes. Sudden hearing loss, severe dizziness, or one-sided pulsating tinnitus needs prompt medical evaluation.

Who treats tinnitus in Bradenton?

Coastal Hearing Care's Doctors of Audiology provide tinnitus evaluations in Bradenton. They check your hearing, explain possible causes, and recommend a management plan. Care is available at the West Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch offices.

Our tinnitus evaluation

At Coastal Hearing Care, our tinnitus evaluation includes:

1. A detailed tinnitus case history to understand the sound, timing, and impact.
2. Comprehensive hearing testing, because most tinnitus is linked to hearing loss.
3. Tinnitus pitch and loudness matching to characterize your specific tinnitus.
4. Sound tolerance testing to check for hyperacusis or sound sensitivity.
5. A personalized management plan based on your evaluation.

Tinnitus management options

Hearing aids with tinnitus programs

Because most tinnitus is linked to hearing loss, hearing aids are often the single most effective tool. Modern hearing aids can amplify soft ambient sounds that mask tinnitus and provide dedicated tinnitus sound therapy programs.

Sound therapy

Custom sound therapy delivered through hearing aids or dedicated devices can gently retrain your brain to pay less attention to the tinnitus signal. Over time, many patients find their tinnitus becomes less bothersome.

Counseling and coping strategies

Understanding your tinnitus reduces the anxiety that often makes it worse. We provide education and coping strategies, and when appropriate, we refer to tinnitus-trained counselors for more intensive support.

Lifestyle changes

Diet, sleep, stress management, and hearing protection all play a role in tinnitus. Small changes often add up to significant relief.

You do not have to live with intrusive tinnitus. There is real, evidence-based help, and it starts with a thorough evaluation.

When to see an audiologist for tinnitus

If your tinnitus is persistent, affecting your sleep or concentration, or has changed suddenly, schedule an evaluation. Sudden tinnitus, especially in one ear, or tinnitus with dizziness or hearing changes should be evaluated promptly.