Ringing in the Ears: When to See an ENT in St. Petersburg & Bradenton, FL

Our ears play a crucial role in how we navigate our surroundings and make sense of the world and our relationships with other people. We use them to listen and communicate with the people around us. When the ears feel off or if there’s something suddenly wrong with our sense of hearing, it can be frustrating, especially when not addressed promptly.

Your ENT doctor in St. Petersburg and Bradenton, FL, can help assess your symptoms and evaluate your hearing to discuss potential treatment options and management strategies based on clinical findings and individual health factors.

Tinnitus has been reported to affect many individuals. On top of the consistent sound in the ears, it may be associated with hearing changes in some individuals.

Here’s what you need to know about tinnitus, when you should seek professional ENT help, and what your treatment options are.

What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a common condition that affects approximately 10 to 25% of adults worldwide, according to one study. Anyone of any age, from children to adults, can experience tinnitus at some point in their lives, but it’s more common in older adults.

Tinnitus is characterized as a constant or intermittent perception of sound in the ears without a clear external source. Most individuals describe it as a constant ringing sound. However, others have also described it as a clicking, buzzing, humming, hissing, rushing, or roaring sound.

The symptoms of tinnitus

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

Many individuals who experience tinnitus describe the sound as a ringing, clicking, buzzing, hissing, humming, or rushing sound, to name a few common descriptors.

Some cases of tinnitus can be so soft that it is barely noticeable in day-to-day activities. However, some cases may be so loud that it interferes with hearing, concentration, and sleep.

There are two main types of tinnitus: subjective tinnitus (which means that only the person hears the persistent sound and is the more common type of tinnitus) and objective tinnitus (which is the rarer type of tinnitus and means that a doctor may hear the sound through a stethoscope). Objective tinnitus may be linked to an identifiable underlying cause and may be further evaluated.

The causes of tinnitus

In most cases, it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of tinnitus. However, it can be associated with a range of conditions, such as ear infections, hearing loss, earwax or fluid buildup, head or neck injuries, noise-induced hearing loss, or certain medications taken at high dosages.

Some less common, but possible, risk factors include eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD), temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, Meniere's disease, blood vessel conditions, inner ear muscle spasms, head or neck tumors, middle ear bone changes, autoimmune disorders (such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis), or pre-existing conditions (such as diabetes, migraines, or anemia).

Tinnitus Testing and Diagnosis

If you’re experiencing a constant or persistent ringing, buzzing, clicking, or rushing sound, or a sudden change in your sense of hearing, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. They may help assess your ears and check for earwax or fluid buildup, or a possible case of ear infection.

During the consultation, your physician may also ask about your symptoms, their severity, how long you've had them, and your medical history.

Depending on clinical findings, they may refer you to an otolaryngologist, an ENT specialist, for further evaluation of your ears, head, and neck. Some cases may also be referred to an audiologist, a hearing loss and balance disorder specialist, should further evaluation of your hearing be deemed necessary.

Tinnitus testing in the St. Petersburg and Bradenton area may include some other tests, such as CT and MRI scans, lab tests, movement tests, and audiological or hearing tests.

Tinnitus Treatment in St. Petersburg & Bradenton, FL

Treatment options and management strategies for tinnitus will vary depending on a variety of individual health factors, such as the severity of the issue and the underlying cause.

This may include:

• Earwax or fluid removal
• Hearing aids
• Medication changes
• Blood vessel condition treatment
• White noise machines
• Masking devices, which are worn like hearing aids and produce continuous low-level white noise
• Tinnitus education
• Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT)
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Cochlear implants for carefully selected patients with severe hearing loss

Can Tinnitus Be Treated and Cured?

There is no standard or one-size-fits-all treatment for tinnitus. A consultation with an ENT specialist can help with personalized diagnosis, treatment, and management appropriate for your condition and several individual health factors.

Is Tinnitus Preventable?

Tinnitus isn’t always preventable, especially if it is linked to an underlying medical condition. However, certain habits may help reduce risk in some cases and support overall ear health:

• Wear earplugs and earmuffs for ear and hearing protection
• Limit alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine intake
• Avoid prolonged exposure to excessive noise
• Turn down the volume when watching TV or listening to music

When Should I See an ENT Specialist Near Me in St. Petersburg & Bradenton, FL?

Consider scheduling an appointment to visit your ear, nose, and throat doctor if you experience the following symptoms:

• A persistent ringing, clicking, buzzing, or humming in the ears without an external source
• Hearing loss
• Ear infections
• Dizziness, vertigo, or issues with balance

Conclusion: Understanding Tinnitus and Your Treatment Option in St. Petersburg & Bradenton, FL

Tampa Bay Breathe Free provides ear, nose, and throat care services in St. Petersburg, Bradenton, and the surrounding communities. Patients who wish to learn more about our clinic and the services we offer may visit and explore our website for more information.