Tinnitus Treatment in Port Neches, TX

What Is the Ringing in My Ear?

Have you ever experienced ringing, buzzing or hissing in your ear? Approximately 50 million Americans have experienced a mild to severe form of tinnitus. While many people think tinnitus is an actual condition, it’s actually a symptom of an underlying condition.

If you’re dealing with chronic ringing in your ear in the Beaumont, TX area, contact M Boyd Herndon, DO today to schedule an appointment. Give our office in Port Neches a call at (409) 729-6401 or request an appointment through our secure online form. Dr. Herndon treats tinnitus for patients from Beaumont, Nederland, Groves, Port Arthur, and the surrounding area.

Types of Tinnitus

Not all tinnitus is the same. Before treatment can begin, it helps to understand what type of tinnitus you’re experiencing. Tinnitus is generally classified in two ways: by how it sounds and by who can hear it.

Nonpulsatile vs. Pulsatile Tinnitus

The most common form is nonpulsatile tinnitus a constant or intermittent sound, such as ringing, buzzing, hissing, clicking, whooshing, or humming, that has no rhythm or beat. It can be present in one ear, both ears, or seem to come from inside the head. The vast majority of tinnitus cases fall into this category, and the sounds are typically only heard by the person experiencing them.

Pulsatile tinnitus is less common and feels different the sound pulses or throbs in rhythm with your heartbeat. Rather than a steady tone, patients describe it as a whooshing or beating sound that keeps time with their pulse. This type is caused by changes in blood flow within the vessels near the ear and is more likely to have an identifiable, treatable underlying cause. Because pulsatile tinnitus can sometimes indicate a vascular condition, it is important to have it evaluated promptly.

Subjective vs. Objective Tinnitus

In nearly all cases, tinnitus is subjective meaning only you can hear it. The sounds are generated by the auditory system rather than an external source, so no one else in the room can detect them.

In rare cases, tinnitus is objective the sound can actually be heard by a physician or audiologist during an examination. This is typically related to a physical source such as muscle spasms or abnormal blood flow near the ear and is far less common.

Understanding which category your tinnitus falls into is an important first step. Dr. Herndon and our on-staff audiologists will evaluate your symptoms to determine the type of tinnitus you have and identify any underlying conditions that may be driving it.

What Are the Causes of Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is most commonly caused by tiny hairs in your inner ear being bent or broken. When bent or broken, they can allow random electrical impulses to your brain. Other causes of tinnitus include:

• Earwax Buildup – The main function of ear wax is to protect the ear canal from dirt and bacteria. However, when too much builds up, it can cause hearing loss or irritation, both of which lead to tinnitus.
• Age-related hearing loss – Hearing loss can cause tinnitus. Tinnitus that is caused by age-related hearing loss is known as presbycusis.
• TMJ disorders – Excess tension in your temporomandibular joint can lead to tinnitus and other hearing conditions.
• Exposure to loud noises – Short-term exposure to loud noises, such as concerts or clubs, can lead to temporary tinnitus. Frequent exposure to chainsaws, firearms and loud music can cause permanent damage.
• Head, neck and brain injuries – Trauma to the head, neck and brain can cause issues with the hearing nerves. When tinnitus is associated with head, neck and brain trauma, it usually only affects only one ear.
• Medications – Various medications, such as antibiotics, cancer medications, diuretics, antidepressants and quinine medications can worse or even cause tinnitus.

How Tinnitus Is Managed

Tinnitus cannot always be fully eliminated, but for most people it can be significantly reduced and effectively managed. The right approach depends on what is causing your tinnitus and how much it is affecting your daily life. At M. Boyd Herndon, DO, PA, we offer a range of options to help you find relief.

When tinnitus is linked to a specific, treatable condition, addressing that condition is the first and most effective step. Depending on the cause, treatment may involve:

Earwax removal — Impacted earwax is one of the most common and easily corrected causes of tinnitus. Professional removal can provide immediate relief.
Medication adjustment — If your tinnitus is a side effect of a current medication, your physician may recommend switching to an alternative or adjusting the dose.
Treating infection or inflammation — Ear infections and fluid in the middle ear can cause tinnitus that resolves once the underlying infection is treated.
Managing blood pressure or vascular conditions — For pulsatile tinnitus, addressing the cardiovascular issue driving abnormal blood flow can reduce or eliminate the sound.