At NeuroHear, we recognize that tinnitus is more than just an ear issue, it is a brain-based condition that can interfere with your focus, sleep, and quality of life. That’s why we take a comprehensive and compassionate approach to tinnitus evaluation and care. Whether you hear ringing, buzzing, humming, or whooshing sounds when no external noise is present, you are not alone, and relief is possible. We are here to help you understand what is happening with your hearing and develop a plan to help you manage your tinnitus.
What Is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus involves the perception of sound without an external source. It can present as ringing, buzzing, whooshing, or other phantom noises, and while it may seem like it is coming from your ears, the real source is in your brain. When the hair cells in your inner ear are damaged due to aging, noise exposure, or other factors, they send disorganized signals to your brain. Your brain tries to make sense of these incomplete messages, essentially “filling in the blanks” with sound. This is how tinnitus is created.
Meet Dr. Ina Selita
Doctor of Audiology & Founder of NeuroHear
As the founder of NeuroHear, I have been able to combine my expertise in hearing science and neuroscience to offer advanced, integrative care that supports sharper thinking and better living at every age.
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How the Brain Contributes to Tinnitus
Your brain does not just receive sound, it also processes and prioritizes it. When there is a lack of input from the ears, your brain can begin to focus more intensely on the missing sounds, which increases the perception of tinnitus. This heightened attention can cause the phantom sound to feel louder or more persistent. Stress and anxiety can further amplify this cycle. When your brain’s fight-or-flight system is activated, it can intensify how you perceive the ringing, making it more intense. Understanding this is essential to effectively managing tinnitus.
Dr. Selita is a professional that’s very knowledgeable – she treated me a few years ago. She carefully explained my results and options to me carefully so I can understand everything. I would recommend 100%!
Brought my mother to get evaluated by Dr, Selita. She took her time with my mother, more than I’ve ever experienced at a doctors office. I would recommend her to anyone looking to hear better.
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Your Tinnitus Evaluation at NeuroHear
Everyone’s experience with tinnitus is different, and your care plan should reflect that. When you visit NeuroHear for tinnitus, Dr. Ina Selita will take the time to understand your symptoms, your lifestyle, and how tinnitus affects you. We will conduct a series of advanced tests to assess how your ears and brain process sound. From there, we will walk you through what is happening in your auditory system and create a personalized plan that may include sound therapy, hearing aids, stress-reduction techniques, or referral to other specialists if needed.
Patient Resources
What if your hearing helped you think faster, connect deeper, and stay ahead? We treat hearing with an ongoing lifestyle system, not a one-time diagnosis.
Let’s talk about it first. If you are ready to take the first step toward managing your tinnitus, schedule a free 10-minute phone consultation with Dr. Selita. This initial conversation is a chance to share your concerns, ask questions, and learn more about how we can help. Call us or complete our online contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tinnitus and why do I hear ringing in my ears?
Tinnitus is the perception of a phantom sound and it comes in many forms, such as ringing, buzzing, hissing, or whooshing. Tinnitus is not a condition itself, but a symptom of changes along the ear-to-brain pathway. When the brain receives less auditory information (often from hearing changes), it increases internal activity to “fill in the gaps,” which can be experienced as tinnitus.
How do I know if I should get a tinnitus assessment?
If you notice ringing, buzzing, or unusual sounds in one or both ears for more than a few days, or if these sounds impact your concentration, sleep, or emotional well-being, a tinnitus assessment is recommended. Tinnitus can come in many forms, such a pulsating sound, a constant hum, or intermittently. Anyone with tinnitus and hearing concerns, sound sensitivity, dizziness, or a history of noise exposure should also be evaluated.
What causes tinnitus to develop or get worse over time?
Common contributors include: hearing loss (the most common cause), noise exposure (a loud concert, gun range shooting, construction noise), ear infections or wax buildup, stress, anxiety, or poor sleep, certain medications, TMJ or neck tension, chronic health conditions (cardiovascular issues, diabetes, etc.). When auditory input decreases or stress increases, the brain becomes more reactive to internal sound, and altogether makes tinnitus feel louder and more intrusive.
What should I expect during a tinnitus evaluation appointment?
A NeuroHear tinnitus evaluation is comprehensive and includes: Complete audiological examSpeech-in-, noise testing, Loudness discomfort level testing , Cognitive screening (when appropriate), Review of lifestyle factors, triggers, and medical history, Education on the ear–brain connection and personalized next step, The goal is to understand your unique tinnitus profile so we can create an individualized treatment plan.
Are there treatments or therapies that actually help reduce tinnitus?
Yes. While there is no universal “cure,” many evidence-based treatments can significantly reduce tinnitus perception and improve quality of life. These include: Medical-grade hearing devices, Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT), Sound therapy and habituation protocols, Cognitive and directive counseling, Stress-based , interventions and lifestyle support and Management of contributing factors (wax, TMJ, sleep issues, etc.)
How can hearing aids or sound therapy help with tinnitus relief?
Hearing aids restore missing sound input to the brain, reducing the need for the auditory system to “turn up the volume” internally. This often decreases the intrusiveness of tinnitus. Sound therapy, using specific sound patterns or masking options helps retrain the brain, reduce hyperactivity, and promote long-term habituation. When combined, these approaches are highly effective.
Can stress, anxiety, or lack of sleep make tinnitus more noticeable?
Absolutely. The auditory system and emotional centers of the brain are closely connected. Stress, anxiety, and poor sleep increase the brain’s sensitivity, making tinnitus feel louder or harder to ignore. Managing these factors is often an essential part of a successful tinnitus treatment plan.
Is tinnitus ever linked to hearing loss or other ear conditions?
Yes. About 80–90% of tinnitus cases are associated with some degree of hearing loss, including mild or “hidden” hearing loss. Tinnitus can also be related to ear infections, TMJ issues, noise damage, or neurological conditions. That’s why a full audiological evaluation is essential for understanding the root cause.
Can tinnitus go away on its own or does it need treatment?
For some people, especially after temporary noise exposure, tinnitus may fade on its own. But for many, tinnitus persists, fluctuates or progressively gets worse over time. Early evaluation helps identify the underlying cause and determine whether treatment can reduce the perception of tinnitus, improve brain habituation, and restore sound balance.
What are the latest advancements in tinnitus management or retraining therapy (TRT)?
Modern tinnitus care integrates neuroscience, AI-driven hearing technology, and personalized sound therapy. Advancements include: Premium hearing technology with built-in tinnitus programs, Tailored sound enrichment designed for your tinnitus frequency, AI-based automatic sound adjustment, Cognitive screenings to track how auditory changes affect brain health, Digital tools and guided programs to support habituation at home, NeuroHear combines these innovations into a comprehensive, long-term management approach.
