Beyond the Ringing: Tinnitus Treatment and Management Options at PAS

Understanding Tinnitus and Why It Matters

If you have ever heard a persistent ringing, buzzing, hissing, or whooshing sound in your ears when no external noise is present, you may be experiencing tinnitus. For some people, the sound is faint and occasional. For others, it is constant and disruptive.

Tinnitus is not a disease itself. Instead, it is a symptom of an underlying issue with hearing or the auditory system. Millions of adults in the United States experience tinnitus, and studies suggest that around 15% of the population will notice it at some point in their lives.

At Professional Audiological Services (PAS) in Memphis, our team understands how distressing tinnitus can be. The good news is that help is available. With the right diagnosis and management plan, many patients reduce the impact of tinnitus and regain control of their quality of life.

In this article, we will explore:

  • What tinnitus is and why it happens
  • Common symptoms and causes
  • The link between tinnitus and hearing loss
  • Effective treatment and management options
  • How Memphis tinnitus treatment at PAS can help you

What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external sound is present. While often described as “ringing in the ears,” people may also hear:

  • Buzzing
  • Clicking
  • Roaring
  • Hissing
  • High-pitched tones

For some, tinnitus occurs in one ear. For others, it affects both. The sound may be constant or come and go.

Tinnitus can range from mild to severe. In serious cases, it interferes with concentration, sleep, and emotional well-being.

Types of Tinnitus

Subjective Tinnitus

The most common form, experienced only by the person affected. It usually results from hearing loss or problems in the auditory pathways.

Objective Tinnitus

Less common, this type can sometimes be heard by a healthcare provider using a stethoscope near the ear. It is often linked to blood flow or muscle movement in the ear.

Common Causes of Tinnitus

Tinnitus has many possible causes. Understanding the source is the first step in choosing an effective treatment plan.

Hearing Loss

Most cases of tinnitus are associated with sensorineural hearing loss. When tiny hair cells in the inner ear are damaged, the brain receives less input and creates phantom sounds.

Noise Exposure

Repeated exposure to loud music, machinery, or gunfire can permanently damage hearing and lead to tinnitus.

Earwax Blockage

Too much earwax can trap sound or irritate the ear canal, causing ringing.

Medications

Some drugs, such as certain antibiotics, chemotherapy agents, or large doses of aspirin, can trigger tinnitus.

Other Health Conditions

Tinnitus can also be related to:

  • High blood pressure
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
  • Head or neck injuries

Tinnitus Symptoms

The main symptom is hearing a sound that others cannot hear. But tinnitus can also lead to:

  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Increased stress or anxiety
  • Sensitivity to sound
  • Fatigue

When tinnitus persists, it often creates a cycle: the sound increases stress, which makes the tinnitus more noticeable. Breaking this cycle is a key goal of treatment.

The Link Between Tinnitus and Hearing Loss

Research shows that about 80% of people with tinnitus also have some degree of hearing loss. For many patients, the brain is compensating for missing sound frequencies by creating phantom sounds.

This connection is why audiologists often recommend a full hearing evaluation for anyone experiencing tinnitus. Treating the hearing loss often reduces or even eliminates the ringing.

How Tinnitus Is Diagnosed at PAS

At Professional Audiological Services in Memphis, we take a comprehensive approach to tinnitus evaluation.

Our diagnostic process may include:

  1. Medical history review – medications, noise exposure, lifestyle, and symptoms.
  2. Hearing tests – audiogram, speech testing, tympanometry.
  3. Specialized tinnitus assessment – to measure pitch, volume, and impact.

By identifying the specific characteristics of your tinnitus, we can design a personalized management plan.

Tinnitus Treatment and Management Options

While there is no single cure for tinnitus, many effective treatments can minimize its impact. At PAS, we offer a range of Memphis tinnitus treatment options tailored to each patient.

1. Hearing Aids with Tinnitus Masking Features

Modern hearing aids do more than amplify sound. Many come with tinnitus management programs that:

  • Amplify external sounds to reduce the contrast of ringing
  • Provide soothing background noise or “maskers”
  • Improve communication, which reduces stress and distraction

Patients who also have hearing loss often benefit most from this option.

2. Sound Therapy

Sound therapy uses external noise to reduce the perception of tinnitus. This can include:

  • White noise machines
  • Specialized apps on smartphones
  • Devices that generate ocean waves, rainfall, or gentle music

By focusing on these external sounds, the brain pays less attention to tinnitus.

3. Counseling and Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)

TRT combines sound therapy with professional counseling. Over time, the brain learns to “habituate,” or ignore, the tinnitus. Counseling also helps patients manage stress, which can worsen symptoms.

4. Stress Management Techniques

Stress and anxiety make tinnitus louder. Relaxation methods such as mindfulness, deep breathing, or yoga can provide relief. PAS often encourages patients to combine medical treatments with lifestyle approaches.

5. Medical Referrals

If tinnitus is caused by another medical issue (such as high blood pressure or TMJ problems), PAS works closely with Memphis-area physicians, ENTs, or specialists to coordinate care.

A Local Success Story

One of our Memphis patients (name changed for privacy) came to PAS after living with tinnitus for over a decade. The constant ringing made it difficult to sleep, and she often felt anxious at work.

After a comprehensive evaluation, our team recommended hearing aids with tinnitus masking technology. Within weeks, she noticed a dramatic improvement. With the addition of stress management techniques, she regained restful sleep and improved focus.

Her story is not unique—many Memphis residents have found relief through personalized tinnitus treatment at PAS.

Lifestyle Tips for Managing Tinnitus

Along with professional treatment, simple lifestyle adjustments can make a big difference.

  • Protect your ears – Wear earplugs at concerts, sporting events, or when using power tools.
  • Reduce caffeine and alcohol – Both can aggravate tinnitus.
  • Exercise regularly – Improves blood flow and reduces stress.
  • Sleep well – Maintain a consistent schedule and create a calm environment.
  • Stay connected – Support groups and counseling can help manage emotional effects.

Community Resources in Memphis

Memphis offers many opportunities for hearing health support and wellness:

  • Memphis Speech and Hearing Center – community-based hearing and speech resources.
  • Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital – for pediatric referrals when needed.
  • Local wellness groups – yoga studios and mindfulness classes can reduce tinnitus-related stress.
  • Senior centers – provide support for older adults dealing with hearing loss and tinnitus.

At PAS, we collaborate with local providers to ensure our patients receive well-rounded care.

Why Choose PAS for Memphis Tinnitus Treatment

Professional Audiological Services has been serving Memphis since 1983. Our clinic is known for:

  • Comprehensive evaluations using advanced diagnostic tools
  • Personalized treatment plans for tinnitus and hearing loss
  • On-site repair lab for quick hearing aid service
  • Family-friendly environment, including a children’s playroom
  • The Reality Suite, a unique space where patients can try hearing aids in real-world settings

Our team of experienced audiologists is dedicated to compassionate, patient-centered care. We combine technology, expertise, and a personal touch to help each patient achieve the best possible outcome.

When to See an Audiologist

You should schedule an appointment if you:

  • Notice persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing in your ears
  • Have trouble concentrating, sleeping, or hearing conversations
  • Experience hearing loss alongside tinnitus
  • Have tinnitus in only one ear
  • Develop sudden or severe tinnitus

The earlier you seek help, the more options you have for relief.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

Tinnitus can be frustrating and overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. With expert guidance and personalized care, it is possible to reduce the impact of tinnitus and improve your quality of life.

At Professional Audiological Services in Memphis, we specialize in helping patients find lasting relief through a combination of hearing aids, sound therapy, counseling, and lifestyle strategies.

Don’t let tinnitus control your life. Call us today to schedule your comprehensive evaluation and learn more about effective Memphis tinnitus treatment.