Tinnitus Diagnosis & Treatment
Tinnitus treatment at Alexander Audiology is for anyone living with ringing, buzzing, hissing, or humming in the ears that is getting in the way of sleep, focus, or peace of mind. Led by Dr. Melissa Alexander, whose clinical focus is tinnitus management, we pair a thorough hearing evaluation with sound therapy and behavioral therapy matched to your symptoms.
What tinnitus is, in brief
Tinnitus is the experience of hearing sound when there is no outside source. People describe it as ringing, buzzing, hissing, humming, whooshing, or clicking. It can be constant or come and go, and it can affect one ear or both.
Tinnitus is a symptom, not a disease. It is most often linked to hearing loss and noise exposure, but earwax, ear infections, some medications, and jaw or neck problems can all play a part. For a fuller explainer on causes, read our guide to what tinnitus is and how it’s treated. This page is about what happens when you come to us for help.
Signs it’s time to get help
Many people put off getting tinnitus checked because they’ve been told there’s nothing to be done. That isn’t true. It’s worth booking a visit if:
- Your tinnitus has lasted more than a couple of weeks
- It makes it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep
- It pulls your attention away from work, reading, or conversation
- It leaves you anxious, irritable, or worn down
- You’ve also noticed changes in your hearing
When to be seen right away
Most tinnitus isn’t dangerous, but some patterns need prompt medical attention:
- Tinnitus with sudden hearing loss. Contact a doctor or audiologist the same day if you can. Sudden hearing loss is time-sensitive, and treatment works best when it starts early.
- Pulsing tinnitus that beats in time with your heart
- Tinnitus in one ear only, especially if it’s new
- Tinnitus with dizziness or vertigo
- Ear pain or drainage along with the ringing
If tinnitus comes with facial weakness, a severe headache, or other sudden neurological symptoms, go to an emergency room.
What to expect at your tinnitus visit
Your first visit is about understanding your tinnitus and your hearing in detail. Here’s how it usually goes.
- We listen first. We ask what your tinnitus sounds like, when it started, whether it’s in one ear or both, what makes it better or worse, and how it’s affecting your daily life. Bring a list of your medications.
- We test your hearing. Because tinnitus and hearing loss are so closely connected, every plan starts with a comprehensive hearing evaluation. That typically includes tone testing, bone conduction testing, and speech testing, with middle ear testing and otoacoustic emissions added when they’re helpful.
- We explain what we found. We go through your results in plain language, so you understand what’s happening in your ears and why.
- We build your plan together. You leave with a clear, personalized plan and a sense of what to expect next.
How we treat tinnitus
There’s no one-size-fits-all fix for tinnitus, so we build a plan around your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals. Most plans draw on a combination of the approaches below.
Sound therapy
Specialized devices generate gentle, steady sound that helps the brain stop prioritizing the tinnitus signal over time. We match the device and the sound program to your tinnitus profile, so it feels comfortable to use day to day.
Behavioral therapy
Behavioral therapy is a structured approach to changing how your nervous system reacts to tinnitus. The goal isn’t to pretend the sound isn’t there. It’s to make it matter less, so it fades into the background the way a refrigerator hum does. Combined with sound therapy, it has helped many of our patients find substantial relief.
Hearing aids, when hearing loss is involved
When your hearing evaluation shows hearing loss, hearing aids can do double duty. Bringing back the outside sounds your brain has been missing often makes tinnitus less noticeable, and many modern devices include built-in sound therapy programs. We work across all major manufacturers and recommend devices based on your hearing, lifestyle, and budget.
A plan that changes as you do
Tinnitus treatment isn’t a single appointment. We check in on how you’re doing and adjust your plan as you progress, fine-tuning sound programs and devices along the way.
Protecting your ears from here
Loud noise can make tinnitus worse and cause more hearing loss. If you work around loud equipment, play music, or spend time at concerts, custom hearing protection keeps sound natural while lowering the volume to a safer level. Other everyday habits help too: avoid total silence, especially at bedtime, and look after your sleep and stress, since both affect how loud tinnitus seems.
Why patients choose Alexander Audiology for tinnitus care
Tinnitus is Dr. Melissa Alexander’s clinical focus. She holds a Doctorate in Audiology and a Certificate of Clinical Competency (CCC-A), and is a member of the American Tinnitus Association. She has cared for patients with hearing loss across Southern California since 2010, and she has been recognized by the City of Santa Monica for her service to the hearing-impaired community.
Just as important, we take the time to listen. Tinnitus can feel isolating, and many people arrive frustrated after being told to simply live with it. We treat it as the real problem it is.
Book a tinnitus consultation
If ringing or buzzing is wearing you down, you don’t have to just put up with it. We see patients from across the Westside of Los Angeles at our Santa Monica clinic and from the Santa Ynez Valley at our Solvang clinic. Book an appointment and we’ll help you take the first step toward quieter days and better sleep.
Common questions
Can tinnitus go away on its own?
Sometimes. Tinnitus after a loud concert, or during an ear infection or earwax blockage, often fades once the cause clears. Tinnitus that lasts more than a few weeks is less likely to disappear on its own, but treatment can make it much less noticeable and much less bothersome.
Is there a cure for tinnitus?
There is no single cure that works for everyone with long-term tinnitus. When a treatable cause is found, such as earwax or an ear infection, treating it can resolve the tinnitus. For most other people, a combination of sound therapy, behavioral therapy, and hearing aids when hearing loss is present can reduce how loud and intrusive it feels.
Should I see an audiologist or a doctor for tinnitus?
Both can play a role. An audiologist evaluates your hearing and builds a tinnitus management plan, which is where most people start. If your tinnitus is in one ear only, pulses with your heartbeat, came on with sudden hearing loss, or comes with dizziness, see a physician as well, because those patterns need a medical evaluation.
Do hearing aids help with tinnitus?
Often, yes, when hearing loss is part of the picture. Bringing back the outside sounds your brain has been missing can make tinnitus less noticeable, and many modern hearing aids include built-in sound therapy programs. Your hearing evaluation will show whether hearing aids are likely to help you.
What happens at a tinnitus evaluation?
It starts with a conversation about your tinnitus: what it sounds like, when it started, and how it affects your sleep, focus, and mood. We then complete a comprehensive hearing evaluation, since tinnitus and hearing loss are closely linked. Afterward, we walk you through your results and a treatment plan in plain language.
Why does my tinnitus seem louder at night?
Tinnitus usually isn't louder at night. It is simply easier to hear when the room is quiet and there is less sound to cover it. Soft background sound, such as a fan or a sound machine, can help, and managing stress and fatigue can make it less noticeable too.
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