Tinnitus Management

Understanding your tinnitus is the first step toward managing it with confidence and care.

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a symptom and is described as the perception of sound in the ears or head that is not caused by any external source. Most people describe tinnitus as buzzing, ringing, clicking, or hissing. For some, this is simply a mild background sound that can come and go, but for others, tinnitus can be a constant and disruptive annoyance, making it hard to sleep, focus, or enjoy basic everyday activities.

We understand the challenges of tinnitus. While there is no universal cure, the good news is that with proper support and care, many people find relief. The first step is understanding what is happening and then learning how we can help.

What Causes Tinnitus?

There can be many causes for tinnitus and in some cases, more than one factor may be involved. The most common link is hearing loss, especially if it develops slowly. When the brain no longer receives certain sound signals from the ears, it can try to ‘fill in the gaps’ by creating a sound of its own. This can result in tinnitus.

Other common causes include exposure to loud noises, recurrent ear infections, high blood pressure, head injuries, or even some medications. Symptoms of tinnitus can be made worse by stress and fatigue. That is why our approach is never a one-size-fits-all. We will take the time to learn your full medical and hearing history, so we can best determine what is most likely contributing to your tinnitus and what can be done.

How Tinnitus is Evaluated

When you arrive at our clinic with tinnitus concerns, we perform a full hearing evaluation to check for any underlying hearing issues.

Hearing Evaluation

This testing includes pure tone thresholds, speech understanding, and measurements that help us assess the overall health of your auditory system.

Tinnitus Handicap Index

We will also often use a questionnaire called the Tinnitus Handicap Index (THI), which consists of 25 questions and is used to identify, quantify, and evaluate the difficulties that you may be experiencing because of your tinnitus.

Daily Life
Impact

This information helps us build a clearer picture of the impact your tinnitus has on your daily life and guides us toward the most effective treatment options.

In Partnership with Your Doctor

In some cases, we may work in conjunction with your primary care provider to rule out medical conditions that may be contributing to the problem.

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Tinnitus Treatment and Management Options

Managing tinnitus is typically about finding the right combination of strategies. While there may not be a proper ‘cure,’ many people find that the right tools and education can reduce the effects of tinnitus significantly.

We focus on practical, proven options:

Hearing aids with sound therapy features.
Sound enrichment through white noise or gentle background sound.
Education on tinnitus triggers and lifestyle adjustments.
Counseling on stress management and sleep routines.

Hearing aids with integrated tinnitus masking features are often the most effective option. They improve overall hearing and deliver soft, soothing sound therapy to reduce the contrast between your tinnitus and the quiet environment around you. Some patients may even notice an immediate improvement during in-office demonstrations, especially when the hearing aids are matched to their unique needs and hearing profile.

Tinnitus and Mental Health

Tinnitus can often affect more than just your hearing. It may impact your mental well-being as well, especially if it causes trouble sleeping, feeling calm, or focusing on what is important. Tinnitus can feel truly overwhelming, but you do not have to face it alone. Relief is within reach with the right approach and a caring team for support.

Treatment for the Whole Person

Many people with tinnitus experience anxiety or frustration, especially when the symptom first arises. We believe in treating the entire person. This means we will help you manage the sound itself and give you tools to feel more in control.

Effective Tools and Strategies for Relief

We will discuss realistic expectations, relaxation strategies, and ways to reshape how your brain responds to tinnitus over time.

Extra Support That Goes Further

For some patients, just knowing there is a plan and support is enough to ease the stress that tinnitus can cause. When people need additional help, we are happy to connect you with providers specializing in emotional and cognitive health, so your care is complete and well-rounded.

"Dr. Eimer was great! She explained everything to me in a way I'd understand."

- Natasha C.
Cheboygan County Location

From hearing tests and tinnitus care to hearing aids and pediatric services, Dr. Eimers Hearing Clinic PLLC provides trusted audiology care across Cheboygan, Petoskey, and Harbor Springs. Wherever you are on your hearing journey, we're here to help you take the next step.

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