Signs Your Sinus Symptoms May Require Specialist Care in Woodbridge, VA

Most of us make sense of the world around us through our senses, including our sense of hearing. Our ears play a crucial role in how we negotiate the world and hear, communicate, and connect with everyone around us.

Tinnitus is a common issue that affects millions of people and can affect our sense of hearing and comfort. An ENT doctor in Arlington and Woodbridge, VA, can help evaluate your ears and recommend potential strategies to manage your symptoms.

What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is characterized by a persistent ringing, clicking, buzzing, pulsing, humming, or rushing in the ears. It’s a common problem that affects approximately 10 to 25% of adults worldwide.

It can affect people of all ages, from children to adults, but is most common in people aged 40 to 80 years old. Tinnitus itself is not a disease, but rather a symptom of an underlying condition, such as hearing loss, ear infection, or ear injury.

Patients with tinnitus often describe the persistent sound as ringing, but some people may hear other types of sounds, such as roaring, rushing, or buzzing. In some cases, the persistent sound can be so soft that it’s barely noticeable, or so loud that it blocks other external sounds, making it difficult to hear, sleep, or concentrate.

What Are the Common Symptoms of Tinnitus?

Most cases of tinnitus are subjective, meaning only the person themself can hear the sound. In rare cases, tinnitus can be objective, which means that doctors may hear the sounds with a stethoscope. Often, objective tinnitus may have an identifiable cause that can be addressed with appropriate treatment.

Symptoms of tinnitus vary significantly per patient, depending on a wide variety of individual health factors. The condition is often described as a ringing sound. However, other sounds may also be heard, like clicking, buzzing, roaring, rushing, hissing, or humming.

In some cases, the sound can be so loud to the point that it interferes with one’s ability to hear external sounds, concentrate, or sleep. The sound may come and go or may be persistently present.

Over time, the persistent ringing in the ears may impact mood or the quality of life.

What Are the Common Causes of Tinnitus?

The exact cause of tinnitus is unknown in many cases. However, it’s a common symptom associated with certain conditions, such as:

• Hearing loss
• Ear infections
• Earwax blockage
• Noise-induced hearing loss or excess exposure to noise
• Head or neck injuries
• Medications, especially when taken at high dosages

Some less common risk factors could potentially cause tinnitus, including:

• Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD)
• Meniere's disease
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
• Bone changes in the middle ear
• Blood vessel disorders
• Muscle spasms in the inner ear
• Head and neck tumors
• Autoimmune disorders, diabetes, migraines, anemia, and other chronic conditions

How Can Tinnitus Be Diagnosed?

It’s important to schedule a consultation with your primary care physician if you’re experiencing a persistent ringing in your ears. Your doctor can check for ear blockages from fluid or earwax buildup. 

During your consultation, they will ask about your symptoms, review your medical history, and perform a thorough examination of your ears. They can also check for and diagnose ear infections.

Depending on their findings, they may refer you to an otolaryngologist (also known as an ear, nose, and throat doctor or simply an ENT). They will ask questions about your hearing and perform an examination of your ears, head, and neck.

You may also be referred to an audiologist, based on individual factors, who will examine and measure your hearing and evaluate your tinnitus symptoms.

In select cases where clinically appropriate, these additional tests may be recommended:

• Imaging tests, such as CT and MRI scans
• Movements tests
• Lab tests
• Audiological (hearing) exam

How Can Tinnitus Be Treated?

Tinnitus treatment depends on the underlying cause of the condition. Common treatment options may include:

• Earwax or ear fluid removal
• Hearing aids
• Treatment for a blood vessel condition
• Cochlear implants in select cases related to significant hearing loss
• Changes in medication

Tinnitus cannot be cured in most cases. However, several management strategies could potentially reduce the impact of symptoms:

• White noise machines
• Masking devices that are worn in the ear and produce continuous, low-level white noise
• Education about tinnitus, its symptoms, and coping strategies
• Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT)
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or other forms of counseling can teach you about living with tinnitus

The efficacy of these treatment options and management strategies varies per patient, depending on individual health factors. Results are not guaranteed.

Commonly Asked Questions About Tinnitus

When should I see an ENT in Arlington and Woodbridge, VA, for the ringing in my ears?

Schedule a consultation with your ENT healthcare provider if you experience a persistent ringing in your ears that has lasted for more than a week, hearing loss, vertigo, dizziness, or issues with balance.

Can tinnitus be treated?

There is no standard treatment for tinnitus. The appropriate treatment will depend on the underlying cause, which an ENT doctor can help evaluate.

Can tinnitus be prevented?

In most cases, tinnitus cannot be prevented because it is often the result of an underlying condition that cannot be prevented. However, there are some safety measures you can take to lessen the risk:

• Use hearing protection, especially in loud environments
• Avoid long exposure to loud sounds and music
• Turn down the volume
• Take care of your health with diet and exercise
• Limit your alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine intake

Do I need a referral to visit ENT clinics in Arlington and Woodbridge, VA?

Referral requirements vary by insurance. Before scheduling an appointment with an ENT clinic, contact your insurance provider to confirm this information.

Understanding Tinnitus and Tinnitus Treatment in Arlington & Woodbridge, VA

Capitol Breathe Free is an ENT care provider with clinics in Arlington and Woodbridge, VA. Patients who wish to learn more about our clinic and services can visit and explore our website.