A woman rubbing her temple due to ear pain

Tinnitus Treatment

What Is Tinnitus?

Pronounced “Tihn-it-us” OR “Tin-eye-tus,” equally and interchangeably, tinnitus is often misunderstood. It’s not a disease; it’s a symptom. It’s a medical condition in which you hear a sound in one or both ears that no one else can hear. Most people describe it as “ringing in the ears,” but it can also sound like whistling, hissing, buzzing, roaring, or pulsing.

For some, tinnitus comes and goes. For many others, it is present 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These “phantom” sounds may be mildly annoying or can become disruptive enough to interfere with sleep, concentration, mood, and daily life. The American Tinnitus Association estimates that more than 50 million Americans experience at least occasional tinnitus.

What Causes Tinnitus?

In many cases, tinnitus is linked to underlying hearing loss. Prolonged or repeated exposure to loud noise is a common factor, and may cause temporary or permanent damage to the inner ear. Tinnitus often reflects changes in the inner ear and the way the brain processes sound.

Research is ongoing, but known and suspected contributors include:

  • Hearing loss
  • Noise exposure (concerts, machinery, firearms, power tools)
  • Certain medications
  • Diet and vascular health
  • Head or neck trauma
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Earwax or eardrum blockage
  • Jaw joint (TMJ) disorders

In rare cases, tinnitus is related to a blood vessel problem and becomes “pulsatile tinnitus,” a sound that beats in time with your heartbeat. Potential causes include vascular tumors, cholesterol buildup, high blood pressure, turbulent blood flow, or abnormal blood vessels near the ear.

Man suffers from tinnitus pain

Is There a Cure?

Despite what online ads may claim, there is no single pill, supplement, or quick fix that cures tinnitus for everyone. However, the majority of our patients at Professional Hearing Services have found meaningful relief.

Depending on the underlying cause, sound therapy, counseling, stress reduction, and treating any associated hearing loss can significantly reduce how noticeable and bothersome tinnitus feels. When hearing loss is present, properly fitted hearing aids often help by improving access to sound and reducing the contrast between tinnitus and silence.

Tinnitus Treatment Options

Because tinnitus is highly individual, the first step at Professional Hearing Services is an in-depth evaluation. Our Doctors of Audiology will review your history, assess your hearing, and discuss how tinnitus affects your daily life. From there, we design a personalized management plan.

Treatment options may include:

  • Prescriptive hearing devices
    The leading treatment for tinnitus when hearing loss is also present is the use of properly prescribed and programmed hearing aids. These devices improve communication and often reduce or even eliminate the perception of tinnitus for many users.
  • Sound therapy and masking strategies
    Introducing gentle background sound can help reduce the contrast between tinnitus and quiet, making symptoms less intrusive, especially at night.
  • Counseling and education
    Understanding tinnitus and learning coping strategies can lower stress and reduce the emotional impact of symptoms.

Throughout your treatment, our audiologists provide ongoing support, fine-tuning, and follow-up to help you get the best possible outcome.

What Are Our Patients Saying?

  • I wish that my Doctor had recommended your service four years ago. My struggle with ringing in my left ear has wore me out. With your device took the ringing away finally! Thank you

    – Li Ross

Frequently Asked Questions

While many tinnitus treatments are promoted online, not all are supported by strong scientific evidence. Currently, there isn’t a single medication that works for everyone, but there are several ways to manage and reduce symptoms, including:

  • Limiting exposure to loud noise
  • Managing blood pressure and cardiovascular health
  • Reducing salt intake
  • Moderating alcohol and caffeine
  • Managing stress and improving sleep
  • Working with an audiologist to explore safe, evidence-based options tailored to you

Most tinnitus is “subjective,” meaning only you can hear it. During your visit, we can perform specialized tests to help match the pitch and loudness of what you hear, which guides treatment planning.
A very rare form called “objective tinnitus” can be heard by a clinician using a stethoscope or sensitive microphone. This is usually related to a blood vessel, middle ear bone, or muscle problem and may require medical or surgical evaluation.

Tinnitus itself does not cause hearing loss. However, it’s often associated with underlying conditions—most commonly hearing loss or inner-ear changes—which is why a professional evaluation can be helpful.

During the day, everyday sounds and activities tend to mask tinnitus. At night, when your surroundings are quiet and there are fewer distractions, tinnitus often seems louder and more intrusive. If your tinnitus is linked to stress, the cumulative tension of the day can also make symptoms feel more intense by bedtime.

If tinnitus is affecting your sleep, concentration, or enjoyment of daily life, the audiologists at Professional Hearing Services in Indianapolis are here to help. Contact us to schedule a comprehensive tinnitus and hearing evaluation and explore personalized treatment options.

Discover the Professional Hearing Services Difference

If you are seeking expert, individualized hearing care in Indianapolis, Carmel, Zionsville, Westfield, Meridian Hills, Meridian-Kessler, or Williams Creek, contact Professional Hearing Services today. Experience the local experts trusted by patients and physicians alike for over 40 years.

A group headshot of the caring staff at Professional Hearing Services
The front facade of the Professional Hearing Services building