Tinnitus SoCal’s Otolaryngology Experts
Tinnitus—a persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears—can be frustrating, stressful, and disruptive to daily life. The severity of symptoms varies, with some people experiencing occasional mild sounds and others struggling with a constant, intrusive noise that affects concentration, sleep, and overall well-being. Many people assume it is a serious condition, but in most cases, tinnitus is manageable with the right treatment approach.
At Southern California Center for Ear, Nose, Throat, and Allergy (SoCal ENT), our specialists understand how distressing tinnitus can be and offer advanced, evidence-based treatments to help you regain control. We focus on identifying the underlying causes of your tinnitus, whether it’s hearing loss, ear infections, noise exposure, or other factors, and tailor a treatment plan to reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life. If tinnitus interferes with your daily activities, our team is here to help you find real, lasting relief.
Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other phantom sounds without an external source. Some individuals experience tinnitus as a constant presence, while for others, it comes and goes. The intensity can range from barely noticeable to severely disruptive, often worsening in quiet environments or at night when external sounds are minimal. Studies show that up to 10-25% of people experience this tinnitus.
One of the most common causes, especially age-related hearing decline.
Wax buildup or infections can cause temporary tinnitus.
The entire process takes less than five minutes, and your child can return to normal activities right away.
Some drugs, including certain antibiotics and pain relievers, may trigger tinnitus.
The natural aging process can weaken inner ear function, leading to tinnitus.
In rare cases, vascular issues or nerve-related disorders can contribute to tinnitus.
Because tinnitus can stem from multiple sources, expert evaluation is an essential first step toward finding the right treatment for you.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of tinnitus and the severity of your symptoms. While there is no single cure, several approaches can significantly reduce the perception of tinnitus and improve quality of life.
If an infection, ear blockage, or circulatory issue is contributing to tinnitus, treating the underlying problem may resolve or lessen symptoms.
This may include:
Many patients find relief through external noise therapy, which helps make tinnitus less noticeable by introducing background sounds.
Options include:
This therapy trains the brain to ignore tinnitus over time by exposing patients to gradually modified sounds that resemble their tinnitus. By desensitizing the brain’s response, patients experience a reduction in awareness and irritation.
NeoSensory Duo provides a unique, science-backed solution to tinnitus for patients looking for a cutting-edge approach. This treatment uses bimodal stimulation, which means it pairs sound therapy with vibrations from a specialized wristband. By retraining the brain to ignore the phantom ringing, many users experience lasting relief within weeks.
While no medication can cure tinnitus, some individuals find that certain supplements or prescriptions help reduce its intensity.
Options include:
Because results vary, medication is typically considered only for severe cases under the guidance of a specialist.
Tinnitus treatment offers more than just symptom relief—it can help patients regain control over their daily lives. Benefits include:
You may be a candidate for tinnitus treatment if you experience persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing in your ears. The right approach depends on factors such as how often and how severe your tinnitus is, whether an underlying condition (hearing loss, infection, etc.) is present, and how much it interferes with your daily life, sleep, or concentration.
Our ENT specialists at SoCal ENT will assess your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Most patients see significant improvement in their awareness and perception of tinnitus with treatment. Many find relief within a few weeks to a few months, especially with sound therapy, retraining methods, or NeoSensory Duo. While tinnitus may not disappear completely, treatment can make it far less intrusive and more manageable, allowing you to focus on what matters most.
The Hummingbird procedure is particularly beneficial for families seeking a safe, anesthesia-free alternative to traditional surgery. Since this in-office treatment is quick, minimally invasive, and requires no hospital stay, it’s an ideal option for parents looking for a stress-free solution with immediate recovery. If your child has been recommended for ear tubes, our specialists at SoCal ENT can determine if the Hummingbird procedure is the right fit.
For some, tinnitus is temporary and resolves without treatment. However, chronic tinnitus often requires management strategies.
Not necessarily. While tinnitus can be linked to hearing loss, many people experience it without significant hearing impairment.
Yes, stress and anxiety can intensify tinnitus perception. Relaxation techniques and sound therapy can help.
There is no single cure, but effective treatments can significantly reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
The first step is a comprehensive evaluation with our ENT specialists to determine your best treatment plan.
