Tinnitus
Help for ringing, buzzing, and phantom sounds in your ears.
Tinnitus is often described as ringing in the ears, but it can also sound like buzzing, humming, or whooshing — and for many people, it’s more than just a nuisance. It can interfere with concentration, sleep, and peace of mind. The good news? You’re not imagining it, and you’re not alone.
At Head & Neck Surgery of Kansas City, we help people understand what’s causing their tinnitus and explore strategies to reduce its impact. While there’s no single cure, there are ways to manage tinnitus and feel more in control.
If persistent ringing or noise in your ears is affecting your quality of life, schedule an appointment today. We’re here to help.
Common Symptoms
Tinnitus varies from person to person. Some people hear it occasionally, while others experience it constantly, and it may or may not be associated with hearing loss. Tinnitus may be experienced in one or both ears. Common symptoms include:
- Ringing, buzzing, hissing, or clicking sounds
- Pulsation of your heartbeat in your ears
- Sounds that come and go or are continuous
- Increased awareness of sounds in quiet environments
- Sleep disturbances or trouble focusing
- Sensitivity to sound (hyperacusis)
Tinnitus can be mild or severe, and it often feels worse during stress or fatigue.
How We Diagnose
Diagnosing tinnitus begins with a conversation. We’ll talk through your symptoms and health history, then perform a few simple tests, which may include:
- Hearing test (audiogram) to check for hearing loss
- Otoscopy to examine your ear canal and eardrum
- Tympanometry to evaluate middle ear function
- Discussion of noise exposure, medications, or underlying medical issues
- Additional imaging or referrals if something more complex is suspected
Understanding what’s behind your tinnitus is the first step toward managing it effectively.
Treatment Options
Tinnitus can’t always be eliminated, but many people find meaningful relief with the right strategies. Depending on your needs, we may recommend:
- Hearing aids to improve hearing and reduce tinnitus perception, especially when hearing loss is also present.
- Sound therapy to mask tinnitus using white noise, natural sounds, or other ambient audio.
- Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) to help your brain gradually tune out tinnitus through a mix of sound therapy and education.
- Medication review to identify drugs that could be contributing to your symptoms.
- Stress-reduction techniques such as relaxation therapy or mindfulness to ease the emotional impact of tinnitus.
We’ll work with you to find the right mix of tools and support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tinnitus can be triggered by hearing loss, noise exposure, earwax buildup, certain medications, or underlying health conditions. Sometimes the cause isn’t clear — but it can still be managed.
Not always. In some cases, it’s temporary — especially if related to an ear infection, blockage, or short-term noise exposure. In chronic cases, treatment focuses on improving quality of life.
Yes — especially if you also have hearing loss. Hearing aids can make external sounds easier to hear, which helps mask tinnitus and reduce its impact.
There’s no universal cure, but many people find their symptoms become much more manageable with the right treatment and support.
Yes — stress and fatigue often make tinnitus more noticeable. Part of our care includes strategies to reduce stress and improve coping.
Let’s Quiet the Noise Together
Tinnitus can be frustrating, but you don’t have to deal with it alone. Head & Neck Surgery of Kansas City is here to help you find relief and regain control. Schedule your appointment today.