If you've ever noticed a ringing, buzzing, or humming in your ears that no one else seems to hear, you're not alone. This experience, known as tinnitus, affects nearly 50 million Americans, often disrupting sleep, concentration, and overall quality of life. While it's not a condition on its own, tinnitus is a symptom of an underlying issue, and at Florida ENT Associates, we're here to help you uncover the cause and find lasting relief.
What Is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound without an external source, meaning you hear something that isn’t actually there. There are two primary types of tinnitus:
- Subjective Tinnitus: The most common type, only heard by the patient.
- Objective Tinnitus: Much rarer, and can sometimes be heard by a doctor during an exam.
Your ear is made up of three parts:
- The outer ear – Funnels sound
- The middle ear – Amplifies it
- The inner ear – Converts sound into signals your brain can understand
Inside the inner ear is the cochlea, a fluid-filled structure lined with tiny sensory hair cells. These hair cells respond to sound vibrations and send signals to the brain through the auditory nerve.
When these hair cells are damaged or overstimulated—from age-related hearing loss, loud noise exposure, or injury—they may send abnormal signals to the brain. The brain, in turn, may "fill in the gaps" by generating phantom sounds, leading to tinnitus.
Other Sources of Tinnitus Can Include:
- Blood vessel irregularities
- Muscle spasms in the middle ear
- Earwax buildup
- Medications that affect auditory nerve function
Why Am I Hearing These Sounds?
Common causes of tinnitus include:
- Age-related hearing loss
- Ear injuries or infections
- Excess earwax
- Certain medications
- Circulatory or neurological conditions
How Tinnitus Interrupts Daily Life
Sleep Disturbances
Tinnitus often becomes louder in quiet settings, making falling or staying asleep difficult. This can lead to:
- Chronic fatigue
- Irritability
- Reduced cognitive function
Difficulty Concentrating
Background noise in the brain competes with real-world sounds, making focusing harder, especially in work, school, or social settings.
Emotional Toll
Constant sound that others can’t hear can feel isolating. Many patients report:
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Depression
Communication Struggles
Tinnitus often accompanies hearing loss. This combination can make it difficult to understand conversations, especially in noisy environments. Over time, patients may withdraw from social interaction to avoid embarrassment or strain.
How We Personalize Your Tinnitus Treatment Plan
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but there is hope. Our board-certified otolaryngologists and audiologists use advanced diagnostics, such as hearing tests, imaging scans, and blood work, to determine what’s really behind your tinnitus.
Depending on the cause, your care may include:
- Earwax removal
- Medication changes
- Hearing aids that improve both hearing and reduce tinnitus symptoms
- Lifestyle guidance and sound therapy
Even when a complete cure isn’t possible, we offer tools like white noise machines, stress management strategies, and custom hearing solutions that can dramatically reduce the impact of tinnitus on your life.
You Don’t Have to Live With Tinnitus. We’re Here to Help.
Tinnitus may be invisible to others, but its effects are very real. If you or someone you love is experiencing tinnitus, don’t wait to get help. With 11 convenient locations across Florida, our ENT specialists are ready to support you with expert care and a personalized plan for relief.
Let us help you regain control of your hearing—and your life. Contact us today to book your consultation.
