Tinnitus Support

Maico Audiological Services provides expert tinnitus support in Newport News, VA, Chesapeake, VA, and Smithfield, VA.

At Maico Audiological Services, our team of audiologists and hearing instrument specialists is committed to helping patients find relief from tinnitus. Tinnitus is a common condition, but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating.

For some people, it’s a mild background noise they notice only in quiet rooms. For others, it can be a constant ringing or buzzing that interferes with concentration, sleep, and overall quality of life.

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the perception of sound in your ears when there is no external noise present. People describe it in different ways: ringing, buzzing, hissing, clicking, or even roaring. The sound may come and go, or it may be persistent. For many, tinnitus is linked to hearing loss, but it can also be connected to other health issues.

What Causes Tinnitus?

Tinnitus can develop for several reasons. Some of the most common causes include:

• Hearing Loss – When the brain isn’t receiving normal sound signals, it may generate its own noises.
• Exposure to Loud Sounds – Prolonged exposure to loud music, machinery, or concerts can damage hearing and lead to tinnitus.
• Earwax Buildup – Too much earwax can block the ear canal and create pressure or ringing sounds.
• Medications – Certain drugs list tinnitus as a side effect.
• Health Conditions – High blood pressure, TMJ disorders, ear infections, or other medical issues may contribute.

Since there are many potential causes, the first step in managing tinnitus is always a thorough evaluation.

Tinnitus Evaluations

If you’re experiencing tinnitus, our audiologists will perform a detailed evaluation to better understand your symptoms and identify possible causes. This process may include:

• Reviewing Your Symptoms – When did it start? Is it constant or occasional?
• Physical Ear Examination – To check for earwax buildup, infection, or other blockages.
• Hearing Tests – Many patients with tinnitus also have some degree of hearing loss.
• Tinnitus Matching – You may listen to tones or sounds so we can compare and document what you’re hearing.

Tinnitus Support Options

Although there is currently no permanent cure for tinnitus, there are many ways to reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life. At Maico Audiological Services, we offer:

Hearing Aids

If you also have hearing loss, hearing aids can make a significant difference. By amplifying surrounding sounds, they reduce the contrast between environmental noise and the internal ringing. Many modern hearing aids offer tinnitus support, with apps and features which play soothing background sounds to help shift focus away from tinnitus.

Lifestyle Changes

Simple lifestyle adjustments can help reduce tinnitus severity:

• Limit caffeine and alcohol intake
• Protect your ears in noisy environments
• Practice relaxation or stress management techniques
• Keep a consistent sleep routine

Additional Care

If tinnitus persists or worsens, we may recommend a referral to an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) physician for further evaluation. Working together, we can help ensure you receive the best possible care.