Ringing in the Ears: When to See an ENT in Frederick, MD

Our ears are how we communicate with the rest of the world. Our sense of hearing helps us navigate and make sense of the world around us. When something feels remotely off or if we notice any changes in our hearing abilities, it can be frustrating, and sometimes, even scary.

An ENT in Frederick, MD, can help assess your hearing and other symptoms, and discuss potential treatment options and management strategies, based on clinical findings and other individual health factors.

Tinnitus is a common issue that has been reported to affect many individuals. Not only is the persistent sound frustrating, but it may be associated with hearing changes in some cases.

Here’s what you need to know about tinnitus and what you can do to manage the symptoms.

What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a common ear concern that affects millions of people worldwide, from children to adults. However, it’s a more common occurrence among older adults.

Tinnitus is characterized by a constant or intermittent perception of sound without a clear external source. The sound is often described as a ringing sound. However, some individuals with tinnitus may hear a clicking, buzzing, rushing, humming, hissing, or roaring sound.

Tinnitus is not a disease itself. It is rather a symptom of some other underlying medical condition.

What Are the Common Symptoms of Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is often described as a ringing, rushing, clicking, buzzing, humming, hissing, rushing, or roaring sound without a clear external source. The sound can be persistent or intermittent.

Some cases of tinnitus may produce sound that is so soft that it’s barely noticeable, while some cases may produce sound that is so loud that it interferes with one’s ability to hear, concentrate, or sleep.

There are two main types of tinnitus: subjective and objective tinnitus.

The more common type is subjective tinnitus, which also means that it’s only the person who can hear the sound. In rarer instances, tinnitus is objective. Objective tinnitus means a physician may also hear the sound using a stethoscope. It may be linked to an identifiable underlying cause and may be further tested and evaluated.

What Causes Tinnitus?

In most cases, it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of tinnitus. However, it can be associated with a range of conditions, such as ear infections, hearing loss, earwax or fluid buildup, head or neck injuries, noise-induced hearing loss, or certain medications taken at high dosages.

Some less common, yet potential, risk factors for tinnitus may include eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD), temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, Meniere's disease, blood vessel conditions, head or neck tumors, middle ear bone changes, inner ear muscle spasms, autoimmune disorders (such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis), or pre-existing conditions (such as diabetes, migraines, or anemia).

Tinnitus Testing and Diagnosis

If you’re noticing a chronic sound in your ears or any changes in your sense of hearing, consulting with your primary care physician (PCP) can help check for wax or fluid buildup, as well as look into a possible case of ear infection.

They may ask about your symptoms, how long you’ve had them, and your relevant medical history.

Depending on clinical findings, they may refer you to an ENT specialist (also known as an otolaryngologist) if further evaluation of your ears, head, and neck is necessary.

In some cases, they may refer select patients to a hearing and balance disorders specialist (also known as an audiologist) for further hearing evaluation.

Depending on your condition, some tests that may be ordered to aid in diagnosis include imaging tests (such as CT and MRI scans), laboratory tests, movement tests, and hearing or audiological tests.

Tinnitus Treatment in Frederick, MD

There is no one standard treatment for tinnitus. Treatment options and coping strategies will vary depending on clinical findings, the severity of the issue, and what your ENT care provider deems appropriate for your condition.

This may include:

• Fluid or wax removal from the ears
• Hearing aids
• Medication changes
• White noise machines
• Masking devices (which are worn like hearing aids and produce continuous low-level white noise)
• Treatment for blood vessel conditions
• Tinnitus education
• Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT)
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Cochlear implants (for carefully selected patients with severe hearing loss

Can Tinnitus Be Treated?

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for tinnitus. The appropriate treatment options or management strategies will depend on clinical findings, severity of the issue, and a variety of individual health factors.

Consult with your ENT care provider for individualized testing, diagnosis, and treatment plans.

Can Tinnitus Be Prevented?

Tinnitus isn’t always preventable, especially if it results from an underlying medical condition.

There are certain habits that may help reduce the risk of tinnitus and help support overall ear and hearing health:

• Wear earplugs to protect your ears from excessive noise
• Avoid prolonged exposure to loud noises
• When watching TV or listening to music, turn down the volume
• Limit alcohol, caffeine, or nicotine intake

When Is It Time to See an ENT Specialist Near Me in Frederick, MD, for Tinnitus Concerns?

It may be appropriate to seek evaluation with an ENT specialist if you experience the following symptoms:

• A persistent or intermittent ringing, clicking, buzzing, humming, or rushing in the ears without an external source
• Ear infections
• Hearing loss
• Dizziness
• Vertigo
• Balance issues 

Conclusion: Understanding Tinnitus and Your Treatment Options in Frederick, MD

Frederick Breathe Free provides ear, nose, and throat services in  Frederick and the nearby Maryland communities. Visit and explore our website for more information specific to our clinic and services.