Ringing in the Ears:
When to See an ENT in Jacksonville, FL

Understanding Tinnitus: What It Is and Its Symptoms

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the constant or persistent ringing, clicking, buzzing, or humming in the ears without an external source. In itself, tinnitus is not an actual disease. Rather, it’s a symptom of another underlying medical condition, such as an ear infection, hearing loss, or an ear injury.

While the sound is often described as a ringing sound, some people may describe it differently, such as a rushing, buzzing, humming, clicking, or roaring sound. In some cases, the sound can be so soft that it’s barely noticeable. In other cases, the sound can be so loud that it interferes with the ability to hear external sounds.

Tinnitus is a common issue, affecting approximately 10 to 25% of adults worldwide. Anyone, from children to adults, can be affected by tinnitus. But it’s most common in older adults.

What are the symptoms of tinnitus?

Symptoms of tinnitus can vary significantly per individual, depending on the severity of the issue, the underlying cause, and other individual health factors.

In many cases, individuals with tinnitus describe it as a persistent ringing sound in the ears. However, others may hear it differently and may describe it as a clicking, buzzing, humming, rushing, or hissing sound.

In most cases, tinnitus is subjective, meaning only you can hear the sound. However, there are some rare cases where it is objective, meaning your doctor may also hear the sound you’re hearing through a stethoscope. Objective tinnitus may be associated with an identifiable underlying condition, which may be further evaluated.

Sometimes, the ringing in the ears can be so loud that it interferes with one’s ability to hear external sounds, concentrate, or sleep. Over time, the persistent sounds in the ears can be frustrating and, in some cases, affect mental health.

The Causes of Tinnitus

Typically, it’s difficult to point to one identifiable cause of tinnitus. However, it can be associated with other conditions, such as:

• Hearing loss
• Ear infections
• Earwax and fluid buildup
• Noise-induced hearing loss (due to excess and prolonged exposure to loud noises)
• Head or neck injuries
• Taking certain medications at high dosages

Moreover, there are less common risk factors that could include tinnitus as a symptom:

• Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD)
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
• Meniere’s disease
• Issues with blood vessels
• Muscle spasms in the inner ear
• Head and neck tumors
• Bone changes in the middle ear
• Autoimmune disorders (such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis) or pre-existing conditions (such as diabetes, migraines, or anemia)

Tinnitus Diagnosis

If you come in for a consultation for a constant or persistent ringing in your ears, your healthcare physician can help diagnose it by performing a physical examination of your ears to check for fluid or earwax buildup or an infection. They will also ask about your symptoms, how long you’ve had them, and your medical history.

Based on clinical findings, you may be referred to an ENT specialist (also known as an otolaryngologist). During an ENT consultation, they will examine your ears, head, and neck as part of the diagnostic procedure.

Referring you to an audiologist (who is a hearing loss and balance disorders specialist) may also be possible, where they may evaluate your hearing and tinnitus symptoms.

Other tests which may be conducted as part of the diagnostic process may include:

• CT and MRI scans
• Movement tests
• Laboratory tests
• Audiological or hearing tests

Tinnitus Treatment Options in Jacksonville, FL

Treatment options for tinnitus vary depending on the severity of the issue and the potential underlying cause. 

• Earwax removal
• Hearing aids
• Changes in medications
• Treatment for blood vessel conditions
• White noise machines
• Masking devices (which are worn similarly to hearing aids and produce continuous lower-level white noise
• Cochlear implants (for select cases of significant hearing loss)
• Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT)
• Counseling, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Education about tinnitus

In most cases, tinnitus cannot be cured. However, coping and management strategies may help reduce the impact of tinnitus for some individuals.

Results from treatment options and management strategies vary per individual, and outcomes are not guaranteed.

When to See an ENT for Tinnitus in Jacksonville, FL

Consider scheduling an appointment to see an ENT doctor if you experience the following:

• Persistent ringing, buzzing, clicking, or humming in your ears that doesn’t go away
• Hearing loss
• Dizziness, vertigo, or issues with balance

Frequently Asked Questions About Tinnitus in Jacksonville, FL

Is tinnitus curable?

There is no standard treatment for tinnitus. The appropriate course of treatment will depend on the severity of the issues, potential underlying cause, and a variety of individual health factors. A consultation with an ENT specialist in Jacksonville, FL, can help guide you toward the appropriate treatment option.

Is tinnitus preventable?

Tinnitus isn’t always preventable, particularly if it is a symptom associated with another medical condition. However, there are some things you can do to help manage these conditions commonly associated with tinnitus, including:

• Wear earplugs and earmuffs to protect your ears
• Avoid excess and prolonged exposure to loud sounds
• Turn down the volume when you’re watching TV or listening to music
• Limit your alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine intake
• Exercise regularly and eat healthily

Learning About Tinnitus and Your Treatment Options in Jacksonville, FL

Jacksonville Breathe Free provides ENT services for residents in Jacksonville, Orange Park, Ponte Vedra, and Jacksonville Beach, and the nearby communities. Visit and explore our website for more information specific to our clinic and services.