Tinnitus Care at Eastside Audiology

Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external sound is present. People often experience it as ringing, buzzing, hissing, humming, or clicking in one or both ears. For some, it’s occasional and mild. For others, it’s persistent and intrusive. It can interfere with concentration, sleep, and overall quality of life, even causing anxiety and depression.

Tinnitus has been described as an “unescapable phantom sound.” And when you can’t escape something, it can make you feel helpless and alone. But tinnitus is a common and well-studied condition, which means there are options for care, management, and much-needed relief.

What is Tinnitus? 

Tinnitus is not a disease; it is a symptom that reflects changes in how the auditory system functions. These changes can occur in the ear, the hearing nerve, or the way the brain processes sound.

Tinnitus is commonly associated with hearing loss, but it can also occur in people with otherwise normal hearing. It can develop gradually or appear suddenly, and its intensity can fluctuate over time.

Although tinnitus itself is not dangerous, the impact it makes on your daily life and emotional well-being can be significant. That’s why it’s so important to address it.

Woman holding her ear trying to stop the ringing in her ear she is experiencing.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Tinnitus

Tinnitus can sound different from person to person.

You may notice:

  • Ringing, buzzing, humming, or hissing sounds
  • A tone that is high-pitched, low-pitched, or fluctuating
  • Sounds that are more noticeable in quiet environments
  • Increased awareness of tinnitus during stress or fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating, relaxing, or falling asleep

For some, tinnitus can contribute to anxiety, irritability, or emotional distress, especially when it feels unpredictable or uncontrollable. 

When Should You See an Audiologist for Tinnitus?

You should consider a tinnitus evaluation if:

  • Your tinnitus is persistent or worsening
  • It interferes with sleep, focus, or daily activities
  • You also notice changes in hearing
  • The sound is present in one ear only
  • Tinnitus is affecting your emotional well-being

An audiologist can help determine whether your tinnitus is related to hearing loss, auditory processing changes, or other factors, and guide you toward management options that feel right for you.

What to Expect During a Tinnitus Evaluation

A tinnitus appointment at Eastside Audiology is comprehensive, and it starts with understanding your unique experience and concerns. Once we have a full history and description of your symptoms, we’ll move on to testing and assessments.

An evaluation typically includes:

A detailed conversation

 

We begin by discussing when your tinnitus started, how it sounds, when you notice it most, and how it affects your daily life.

Hearing and auditory testing

A thorough hearing evaluation helps us better understand your auditory system and identify hearing changes that may be contributing to tinnitus perception.

Tinnitus-specific assessment


Depending on your symptoms, we may evaluate pitch, loudness, and how your tinnitus interacts with external sound.

Personalized education

Understanding tinnitus often reduces fear and frustration. We take time to explain what your results mean and how they relate to your experience.

Other Tinnitus-Related Conditions

Rhythmic tinnitus

Rhythmic (or pulsatile) tinnitus involves hearing a pulsing, whooshing, or throbbing sound in time with your heartbeat, unlike typical ringing in the ears. It’s often caused by changes in blood flow near the ear, making it a symptom of an underlying issue like high blood pressure, anemia, narrowed arteries, or vascular malformations. Medical evaluation is required to identify and treat the root cause. 

Conditions secondary to tinnitus

“Secondary to tinnitus” refers to medical conditions that develop because of the constant ringing or buzzing in the ears. These conditions include anxiety, depression, stress, migraines, sleep apnea and insomnia, cognitive difficulties, and balance problems. Although tinnitus may be the primary issue, the secondary conditions often make the biggest impact on quality of life, concentration, and mental health.

Can Tinnitus Be Treated or Cured?

Currently, there is no cure for tinnitus. But many people experience meaningful relief through evidence-based management strategies. Hopelessness, powerlessness, and isolation are some of the most distressing parts of dealing with tinnitus. That’s why the right care team is so essential to help you feel empowered and supported.

Tinnitus care focuses on reducing the impact of tinnitus rather than eliminating the sound entirely. With the right approach, tinnitus can become less intrusive and easier to live with.

Management options may include:

  • Sound therapy and amplification strategies
  • Hearing aids when hearing loss is present
  • Counseling-based tinnitus management techniques
  • Strategies to improve sleep, focus, and stress response

Specialized Training in Tinnitus Management

Eastside Audiology is proud to offer advanced tinnitus care led by Doctors of Audiology who hold the Tinnitus Management Certificate from the American Board of Audiology.

Four of our Doctors of Audiology (Dr. Shannon Christen, Dr. Michele Hillard, Dr. Brittany Vlosich, and Dr. Paula Wolff) have completed this specialized certification, which reflects advanced training in evidence-based tinnitus assessment and management.

This distinction means our team follows nationally recognized best practices and brings a higher level of expertise to tinnitus care than is typically available in general audiology settings. We’re proud to say there is no better practice in the area to serve the needs of patients seeking outstanding hearing care.

Man holding his ear trying to stop the ringing in his ear he is experiencing.

Take Control of Tinnitus

Because no cure is available, many people think they have to face tinnitus alone. But if tinnitus is affecting your peace of mind and quality of life, professional help is available.

A thoughtful evaluation and personalized management plan from doctors trained in tinnitus management can’t eliminate tinnitus, but it can make a big difference in your physical and emotional well-being.

Contact Eastside Audiology today to schedule a tinnitus consultation and take the first step toward relief.

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