Tinnitus is real. It deserves a real evaluation.
Ringing, buzzing, hissing, or pulsing sounds can affect concentration, sleep, and quality of life. We start by understanding what you hear, how it affects you, and whether hearing loss or another factor may be involved.
Clear evaluation. Practical guidance. Management options tailored to you.
Tinnitus is a symptom, not a disease itself.
Tinnitus is treated as a hearing-system issue first, starting with a full evaluation, not a guess.
Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ears or head when no external sound is present. It can be associated with hearing loss, noise exposure, stress, certain medical conditions, medications, and more.
For some people tinnitus is occasional and mild. For others it can significantly affect focus, sleep, and quality of life. Our tinnitus care at our Midtown Manhattan practice starts with understanding how it affects you.
Common descriptions
Some people hear a steady sound, while others notice fluctuations throughout the day.
The two main types of tinnitus
Understanding the type of tinnitus you are experiencing helps determine whether hearing care, medical referral, or another next step is appropriate.
Where you hear it can point to why.
Tinnitus in both ears is often tied to age-related hearing loss, long-term noise exposure, or broader changes across the auditory system. Tinnitus in one ear only is more likely to have a specific, identifiable cause, which is one reason it warrants a closer look.
If one-sided tinnitus came on suddenly, is paired with hearing changes or dizziness, or matches your pulse, a prompt evaluation is recommended.
If tinnitus sounds like your heartbeat, start with a physician.
Pulsatile tinnitus can sound rhythmic, like a heartbeat or whooshing sound. If your tinnitus matches your heartbeat or pulse, it is important to consult with a physician or cardiologist first to rule out vascular or circulatory causes before pursuing tinnitus management options.
Tinnitus commonly occurs alongside hearing loss.
Many people with tinnitus do not realize they also have hearing loss until a comprehensive hearing evaluation is completed.
A hearing test, called an audiogram, measures how well sound is detected across different pitches and volumes. For many patients, it is the test that finally explains why the tinnitus appeared in the first place, and it is also how unrelated causes are ruled out.
A full assessment can help determine
- Whether hearing loss is present
- Possible underlying causes
- Whether medical referral is needed
- Which tinnitus management options may be appropriate
Frequently asked questions
Early evaluation can make tinnitus more manageable.
If you are experiencing tinnitus, whether occasional or constant, a comprehensive hearing evaluation is an important first step. Early evaluation and treatment can often make tinnitus significantly more manageable.
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Related reading
Ringing, buzzing, or hissing in your ears? Learn the common causes of tinnitus, when to get it checked, and how it can be managed.
If your hearing test was normal but conversations still feel hard, an auditory processing issue may be the reason. Here is the difference and what to do.
Start your journey to better hearing today by requesting a consultation. Share the days and time of day that usually work best for you. After you submit the form, someone from our clinic will reach out to confirm your appointment.
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