Tinnitus Treatment in Corpus Christi, TX
Tinnitus is the perception of sound such as ringing, buzzing, hissing, clicking, or humming in the absence of an external acoustic stimulus. It affects approximately 15 percent of the United States population, with approximately two million individuals experiencing a form severe enough to significantly impair daily function. At Corpus Christi ENT Sinus & Allergy, Dr. Todd M. Weiss provides a thorough evaluation to identify the underlying cause of tinnitus and develop an evidence-based management plan.
Types of Tinnitus
Subjective Tinnitus
Subjective tinnitus heard only by the patient is by far the most common form. It can be perceived in one or both ears, or as a diffuse sound within the head. It may be constant or intermittent, and ranges from mildly annoying to severely disabling.
Objective Tinnitus
Objective tinnitus is a rare form that can be detected by an examining clinician using a stethoscope or sensitive microphone. It is typically caused by a vascular anomaly, muscular disorder, or Eustachian tube dysfunction.
Pulsatile Tinnitus
Pulsatile tinnitus is a rhythmic sound that synchronizes with the heartbeat. It warrants thorough evaluation to rule out vascular causes, including arteriovenous malformations, carotid artery disease, or middle ear tumors (glomus tumors).
Common Causes of Tinnitus
- Sensorineural hearing loss (the most frequent underlying cause)
- Noise-induced hearing damage
- Middle ear pathology (infection, effusion, otosclerosis)
- Meniere’s disease
- Acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma)
- Head or neck trauma
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
- Ototoxic medications
- Cardiovascular disease and hypertension
- Eustachian tube dysfunction
How Is Tinnitus Evaluated?
A comprehensive tinnitus evaluation at our practice includes a detailed medical history, otoscopic examination, audiological testing, and, when indicated, imaging studies. Identifying the underlying etiology is critical, as many causes of tinnitus are treatable.
Tinnitus Management and Treatment
Treating the Underlying Cause
When tinnitus is secondary to a treatable condition such as otosclerosis, Eustachian tube dysfunction, or a medication side effect addressing the underlying problem frequently results in improvement or resolution of the tinnitus.
Sound Therapy
Sound therapy introduces low-level background sound to reduce the contrast between tinnitus and silence, making the perceived sound less noticeable. Options include white noise machines, masking devices, and hearing aids with integrated tinnitus management features.
Hearing Aids
For patients with tinnitus and concurrent hearing loss, hearing aids amplify environmental sounds, which naturally diminishes tinnitus prominence. Many modern hearing aids include dedicated tinnitus sound therapy programs.
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)
TRT is a directive counseling approach combined with sound therapy that helps patients habituate to tinnitus. Over time, the brain is retrained to reclassify the tinnitus signal as a neutral, non-threatening stimulus.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is an evidence-based psychological intervention that addresses the emotional distress and negative thought patterns associated with chronic tinnitus. Research consistently demonstrates its effectiveness in reducing tinnitus-related handicap.
When to Seek Evaluation
Schedule an appointment promptly if tinnitus is accompanied by sudden hearing loss, is heard in only one ear, is pulsatile in nature, or is accompanied by vertigo. These presentations may indicate conditions requiring urgent assessment.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If ringing or buzzing in your ears is affecting your quality of life, effective management is available. Call us at (361) 320-6130 or connect with us online to schedule a tinnitus evaluation.