Tinnitus is the perception of sound (most often described as ringing, buzzing, whooshing, or hissing) when no external sound is present. It can occur in one or both ears, vary in pitch and loudness, and may be constant or intermittent. Most tinnitus is associated with some degree of hearing loss or damage to the auditory system, but it can also be triggered by a single noise exposure, certain medications, or unrelated medical conditions.

What causes tinnitus?

Common causes of tinnitus include age-related and noise-induced hearing loss, earwax buildup, middle ear problems, certain medications (notably some antibiotics, NSAIDs, and chemotherapy agents), Meniere's disease, head or neck injuries, and TMJ disorders. Sometimes tinnitus has no identifiable cause. An audiology evaluation and exam by an ENT physician identify treatable causes when present.

Can tinnitus be cured or managed?

There is no single cure for chronic tinnitus, but for most patients it can be effectively managed. Treatment depends on the underlying cause: removing earwax, treating an ear infection, switching medications, or addressing hearing loss with hearing aids. When tinnitus persists, evidence-based options include sound therapy (often built into modern hearing aids), tinnitus retraining therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

When should I see an ENT or audiologist for tinnitus?

See an ENT or audiologist if tinnitus is new or persistent, only in one ear, pulsatile (sounds like a heartbeat), accompanied by hearing loss, dizziness, ear pain or drainage, or if it interferes with sleep, concentration, or mood. Sudden hearing loss with tinnitus is a medical urgency; call your ENT or seek care promptly.

Ask the ENT

Tinnitus

February 27, 2019 | Raymond J. Brown, MD | Ear & Hearing | Reviewed Mar 2026

Quick answer: Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound when no external sound is present. It's usually linked to some auditory system change, often noise-induced or age-related hearing loss, earwax, certain medications, or middle-ear problems. There is no universal cure, but most tinnitus is manageable: addressing the underlying cause when one exists, treating any associated hearing loss with hearing aids, and using sound therapy or counseling-based approaches. See an ENT promptly for new one-sided tinnitus, sudden hearing loss, or pulsatile (heartbeat-like) tinnitus.

Tinnitus is a condition in which a person perceives sound that is not actually present in the environment. It's often described as a ringing in the ears, buzzing, whooshing, or hissing sounds. These perceived sounds and their loudness may vary from one person to another. In most cases, tinnitus is related to damage in the auditory system, which may or may not include hearing loss. Sometimes a single event, a medication, or a condition unrelated to the hearing system can trigger tinnitus. Tinnitus may or may not be accompanied by hearing loss.

Our audiologists will evaluate both your hearing and tinnitus to determine whether a treatable medical condition is present. If there is an underlying medical condition, you will then be evaluated by one of our ENT physicians for treatment, if necessary.

Tinnitus can often be effectively managed and its symptoms improved, in most cases through sound therapy that can be customized for each patient's needs. This technology is available through many of today's advanced hearing aids. Our audiologists will explain this treatment and other options to you so you can choose the solution that is best for you.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace an in-person evaluation. Every patient is unique. Schedule a consultation to discuss your specific symptoms and treatment options.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Raymond Brown · Last updated March 7, 2026

Raymond J. Brown, MD

Dr. Brown is a board-certified ENT specialist who provides comprehensive care for patients of all ages. He has a special interest in treating nasal and sinus disorders, as well as obstructive sleep apnea. He was honored by his peers as a 2024 and 2025 Austin Top Doctor for his commitment to excellence in ENT care.

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Tinnitus

Raymond J. Brown, MD

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