Tinnitus Treatment in Houston, TX

No mask. No hose. Just sleep.

Do you experience a ringing in your ears that no one else can hear, called tinnitus? If so, you’re not alone. Around 45 million Americans have experienced ringing in their ears at some point in their lifetime. This is the leading medical claim and disability for U.S. veterans. The good news is, we can help! Dr. Reyes is Tinnitus Management Certified by the American Board of Audiology.

Table of Contents

What Is Tinnitus?

What we commonly refer to as “ringing in the ears” is clinically called tinnitus. It is the perception of sound when no actual external noise is present. Sometimes the sound isn’t quite ringing either. Patients also describe it as buzzing, hissing, whistling, roaring, whooshing, and clicking. In some rare cases, patients report hearing music.

It can be a temporary or ongoing condition. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control estimates that nearly 15-20% of the general population have experienced or are experiencing some form of tinnitus.

There is no scientifically validated cure for most types of tinnitus. However, there are treatment options that can ease the annoyance that ringing in the ears can cause. These treatments allow patients to live a more comfortable life.

Evaluation & Testing

Our audiologist, Dr. Reyes, and our ENT physicians have the education and clinical protocols to help evaluate and diagnose tinnitus. Because it is often caused by hearing loss, our audiologist will begin with a comprehensive hearing evaluation to assess the overall health of your ears.

Comprehensive testing will include immittance testing, speech testing, and frequency-specific testing. Our audiologist may complete additional testing, depending on the patients’ specific symptoms, medical history, and other medical factors. Tinnitus measurement questionnaires regarding the daily impact of tinnitus may be requested and completed at our office.

Our audiologist may also recommend seeing our amazing ENT physicians for an extensive medical evaluation. They may request imaging, such as a CT scan or MRI of the ear structures, depending on the patient’s specific symptoms and medical conditions.

Causes of Tinnitus

Tinnitus is not a disease itself, but rather a symptom of another underlying health issue. In most cases, it is a sensorineural reaction in the brain due to damage in the ear and hearing system. It is often associated with hearing loss. However, there are around 200 different health conditions that can have tinnitus as an underlying symptom. Below is a list of some of the most reported conditions related to tinnitus.

Hearing loss
Blockages of the ear due to wax buildup, ear infections, or, rarely, a benign tumor of the acoustic nerve.
Side effects from nearly 200 prescription and nonprescription drugs. These include aspirin, several types of antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, loop diuretics, and antidepressants, as well as quinine medications.
Sinus pressure, nasal congestion, a severe cold or flu, and allergies
High blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, circulatory problems, anemia, autoimmune diseases, and diabetes
Neck or jaw problems, such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder
Injuries to the head or neck, concussions, or traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Vestibular disorders such as Meniere’s Disease
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety

Your Tinnitus Consultation

During your tinnitus consultation, our team will perform a thorough physical examination to assess your ear health and overall auditory system. This evaluation helps us identify any underlying condition that may be contributing to your tinnitus symptoms. Based on the findings, we will recommend a specific treatment tailored to your needs, aiming to reduce the perception of ringing and improve your daily quality of life.

Our Treatment Options

As mentioned above, there is no scientifically validated cure for most types of tinnitus. The search for a cure is ongoing, and real progress is being made through extensive research. There are, however, excellent tools to help patients manage symptoms. Our treatments help reduce the perceived intensity, persistence, and burden of tinnitus.

Hearing Aids

Hearing aids can be an effective solution for tinnitus, especially when it is related to hearing loss. By amplifying external sounds, hearing aids help reduce the prominence of ringing in the ears, making everyday listening more comfortable.

Sound Maskers/Therapies

Sound maskers and therapies, including tinnitus retraining therapy and sound therapy, work by gradually retraining the brain to ignore the tinnitus signals. Over time, these approaches can help reorganize neural pathways and decrease the perception of ringing.

Behavioral Therapies

Behavioral therapies focus on managing the emotional and psychological impact of tinnitus. Techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help patients reduce stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances associated with persistent ear ringing.

TMJ Treatments

For patients whose tinnitus is linked to jaw or neck issues, TMJ treatments can provide relief. Addressing temporomandibular joint disorders often reduces pressure and tension that may contribute to tinnitus symptoms.

General Wellness and Health

Maintaining overall wellness can have a positive effect on tinnitus. Improving cardiovascular health, managing blood vessels, reducing stress, and maintaining healthy habits can all help minimize tinnitus severity and improve quality of life.

Changes in Medication

If tinnitus is a side effect of certain medications, adjusting or switching drugs under the supervision of your healthcare provider may help reduce symptoms. It’s important to never change prescriptions without professional guidance.

Treatment of the Underlying Medical Condition

Addressing the underlying medical condition that contributes to tinnitus is a critical step in treatment. Whether it’s ear infections, high blood pressure, or other health issues, managing the root cause can significantly alleviate tinnitus symptoms.

These treatments do not repair the underlying causes of tinnitus, nor eliminate the signal in the brain. Instead, they address the attentional, emotional, and cognitive impacts. They will help you live a better, more fulfilling, and more productive life, even if the tinnitus remains.

Candidates for Tinnitus Treatment

Tinnitus treatment may be appropriate for anyone experiencing persistent ringing or other tinnitus symptoms in one or both ears. Tinnitus sufferers come from all walks of life and may develop symptoms due to a variety of causes, including head trauma, middle ear infection, or ear wax buildup. Other common triggers include prolonged exposure to loud noises, repeated noise exposure at work or recreationally, and muscle spasms in the jaw or neck. Even certain medications or natural substances can contribute to tinnitus. If you are dealing with ongoing ringing in your ears, seeking evaluation can help identify the underlying cause and determine the most effective treatment plan.

Benefits of Tinnitus Treatment

Reduces the perception of ringing, buzzing, or other tinnitus sounds
Helps manage stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances related to tinnitus
Improves concentration and focus in daily activities
Enhances overall hearing health and comfort
Supports a better quality of life by allowing patients to enjoy daily activities with less distraction from tinnitus

Cost of Tinnitus Treatment in Houston, TX

The cost of tinnitus treatment in Houston, TX, typically ranges from $500 to $3,000, depending on the complexity of the evaluation and the type of treatment recommended. Factors such as hearing aids, sound therapy devices, or behavioral therapies can influence the overall cost. Our team works with patients to provide a personalized treatment plan that balances effectiveness and affordability, ensuring access to care that can improve daily comfort and quality of life.

Dr. Reyes | Tinnitus Management Certified

Dr. Reyes is one of two Tinnitus Management Certified audiologists in Houston. The certification comes from the American Board of Audiology. Dr. Reyes completed this comprehensive tinnitus education program in an effort to better serve our patients with ear ringing and tinnitus-related issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is tinnitus a sign of hearing loss?

Tinnitus can sometimes be a sign of hearing issues, especially when linked to age-related hearing loss. Damage or changes to the auditory nerve can contribute to the perception of ringing or buzzing in the ears. While not all tinnitus indicates hearing loss, it is often essential to evaluate your hearing health to determine if hearing issues are playing a role.

What are the main types of tinnitus?

Tinnitus can present in several forms. Subjective tinnitus is the most common type, heard only by the patient, while objective tinnitus can sometimes be detected by a clinician. Primary tinnitus occurs without an underlying health condition, whereas secondary tinnitus is caused by another medical issue. Pulsatile tinnitus is rhythmic, often in time with the heartbeat. Causes may involve the inner ear, ear canal, or even certain medications. Understanding the type of tinnitus is crucial for determining the most effective treatment approach.

Do you perform hearing tests during the initial consultation?

Yes, many patients undergo comprehensive hearing tests during the initial consultation. These evaluations help assess hearing health, identify potential causes of tinnitus, and guide the development of a personalized treatment plan.

Is there insurance coverage for tinnitus treatments?

Coverage for tinnitus treatments can vary depending on individual insurance plans. Our office can help review your insurance benefits and determine what aspects of evaluation and treatment may be covered to make your care more accessible.

Read Our Patient Reviews and Receive Personalized Treatment

When searching for the best specialist for tinnitus treatment, Houston patients trust our clinic for comprehensive evaluations and effective management strategies. Our healthcare professionals use advanced technology to accurately assess the underlying causes of tinnitus and develop personalized care plans tailored to each individual. By addressing common symptoms and providing ongoing support, we help people experiencing tinnitus regain comfort and improve their quality of life. Read our patient reviews to see how our approach has made a difference for others.

Schedule a consultation to receive professional care designed specifically for your needs.