Tinnitus Management

Tinnitus is the perception of ringing or other sounds in the ears when no external sound is present. It is a common condition, affecting approximately 1 in 5 people. If you are experiencing ringing in your ears and searching for a trusted ENT doctor in the Little Rock area, Arkansas ENT provides comprehensive tinnitus evaluation and management for patients throughout Little Rock, North Little Rock and Central Arkansas.

Tinnitus may present as constant or intermittent ringing, buzzing, roaring, hissing, swooshing, or clicking sounds. While tinnitus is not a disease itself, it is often a symptom of an underlying medical or hearing-related condition. Our North Little Rock ENT specialists and audiologists work together to identify contributing factors and develop personalized treatment plans.

Tinnitus can be associated with a wide range of medical and hearing conditions, including:

• Age-related hearing loss
• Exposure to loud noise
• Earwax impaction or blockage
• Middle ear disorders (fluid, infection, or ossicular issues)
• Inner ear disorders, including Ménière’s disease
• TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders
• Head or neck injuries
• Acoustic neuromas
• High blood pressure
• Certain medications, including antibiotics, cancer treatments, diuretics, antidepressants, and pain relievers

Our ENT doctors in North Little Rock evaluate both medical and auditory causes to ensure a thorough assessment.

Tinnitus can be complex and challenging to evaluate. A comprehensive audiological evaluation in North Little Rock is typically performed to assess hearing loss that may be contributing to tinnitus. 

Our otolaryngologists also gather detailed information, including:

• When the tinnitus began
• Description and pitch of the sound
• Whether symptoms are constant or intermittent
• Whether tinnitus affects one or both ears
• The emotional and functional impact on daily life

Because tinnitus can significantly affect quality of life, our North Little Rock ENT specialists take a patient-centered approach to diagnosis and care.

Common complications associated with tinnitus include:

• Stress and fatigue
• Difficulty sleeping
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Depression
• Problems with concentration or memory

Addressing tinnitus early with a qualified ENT doctor in the Little Rock area can help reduce its impact on daily functioning.

There is currently no single cure for tinnitus; however, many effective management strategies are available. Because hearing loss is a common contributing factor, our North Little Rock audiologists may recommend a hearing evaluation to determine whether hearing aids could help.

For some patients, hearing aids can reduce the perception of tinnitus while worn and may temporarily relieve symptoms. Many modern hearing aids also include integrated tinnitus masking features, which use:

• White noise
• Pink noise
• Nature sounds
• Other ambient sounds

Our audiologists work closely with each patient to identify the most effective masking sound and settings. These therapies can help reduce awareness of tinnitus and allow patients to focus more comfortably on daily activities. Results vary by individual.

Additional tinnitus management options may include:

• Dietary and lifestyle modifications
• Stress reduction techniques
• Sound therapy
• Behavioral therapy
• Biofeedback
• Hypnotherapy
• Medication management when appropriate

At Arkansas ENT in North Little Rock, our ENT doctors and audiologists collaborate to determine the most appropriate tinnitus treatment plan for each patient.

Learn more about tinnitus management on our blog.