Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external sound is present. People often describe it as ringing, buzzing, humming, or whooshing. It can be constant or intermittent, soft or loud, and heard in one or both ears.

It is not a disease itself but a symptom of changes within the auditory system or brain. While common—affecting millions of Americans—it can impact sleep, concentration, mood, and quality of life.

• Subjective tinnitus
  • Most common type (over 95% of cases).
  • Only the patient hears the sound.
  • Often linked to hearing loss, noise exposure, or neural changes.
• Objective tinnitus
  • Rare.
  • A clinician may hear the sound during an exam.
  • Usually caused by muscle spasms or blood vessel changes.
  • Requires medical evaluation.

Pulsatile tinnitus sounds like a rhythmic pulsing or whooshing, often in time with your heartbeat. Unlike constant “ringing” tinnitus, it is more likely to have a medical cause.

Possible causes include blood vessel changes, sinus issues, or middle-ear conditions. Because pulsatile tinnitus can sometimes indicate a vascular condition, you should have it evaluated promptly.

Yes. Tinnitus and hearing loss often go hand-in-hand. A hearing exam helps identify whether hearing loss is present and guides treatment options. Even subtle hearing changes can contribute to tinnitus, so testing is essential.

Yes. When hearing decreases, the brain may “fill in the silence” with phantom sounds, resulting in tinnitus. Treating hearing loss—often with hearing aids—can reduce tinnitus perception and improve quality of life.

While there is no universal cure, several evidence-based treatments can reduce the burden of tinnitus:

• Sound therapy – Uses external sounds to reduce the brain’s focus on tinnitus.
• Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) – Combines sound therapy with counseling.
• Cognitive-Behavioral Strategies (CBT) – Reshapes negative reactions to tinnitus.
• Lifestyle adjustments – Stress reduction, better sleep, nutrition, and exercise.

At Orion Tinnitus + Audiology Solutions, we personalize treatment based on your history, hearing status, and goals.

Lenire is the first FDA-approved medical device for tinnitus treatment that uses bimodal neuromodulation. It combines gentle sound stimulation (through headphones) with mild tongue stimulation (through a device placed on the tongue). Together, these signals retrain the brain’s auditory pathways to reduce the perception and distress of tinnitus.

• Clinical studies show Lenire can significantly reduce tinnitus severity for many people.
• It is non-invasive, safe, and typically used for daily sessions over several months.
• Results vary, but many patients report meaningful improvements in tinnitus impact and quality of life.
• Lenire works best as part of a comprehensive care plan, not as a stand-alone “cure.”

Sound therapy introduces external sounds—white noise, nature sounds, or specialized soundscapes—that help the brain reclassify tinnitus as a neutral signal. The goal isn’t to “drown out” tinnitus, but to reduce your brain’s focus on it over time.

Not always. Temporary tinnitus may occur after loud noise exposure or medication use. For chronic cases, treatment focuses on reducing the impact, helping tinnitus fade into the background rather than dominate your daily life.

Yes. Many habits influence tinnitus perception:

• Stress and anxiety make tinnitus seem louder.
• Poor sleep worsens perception.
• Noise exposure can aggravate tinnitus.
• Smoking and alcohol may increase risk.

Small lifestyle changes, combined with treatment, often lead to meaningful improvements.

Seek care if your tinnitus:

• Persists longer than a week
• Interferes with sleep, concentration, or mood
• Occurs in one ear only
• Is pulsatile (heartbeat-like)
• Is accompanied by sudden hearing loss, dizziness, or pain

Currently, no single cure exists. The goal is to reduce awareness, improve coping, and restore quality of life. Many people reach a point where tinnitus is no longer distressing or disruptive.