
Tinnitus—a condition often described as a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in your ears—can be frustrating and overwhelming. For some, it’s a minor inconvenience that comes and goes. For others, it’s a constant distraction that interferes with day-to-day life. At Hearing & Balance Specialists of Kansas City, we understand how life-disrupting tinnitus can be, and we’re here to help you explore effective ways to manage it.
If you experience tinnitus, know that you’re not alone. Millions of people worldwide are also experiencing this condition. However, managing tinnitus effectively is possible through various strategies, therapies, and understanding.
What Is Tinnitus?
Before tackling management strategies, it’s essential to understand tinnitus. Tinnitus isn’t necessarily a disease in itself. Rather, it’s commonly a symptom of some underlying condition, such as hearing loss, ear injury or disorder, exposure to loud noise, or stress. You might notice the sound more when it’s quiet—like at night—or in moments of high tension.
While there’s no known cure, there are many ways to effectively reduce its impact on your life.
Signs You May Be Experiencing Tinnitus
If you are unsure that what you are hearing is tinnitus, here are some common examples of what it’s like to experience tinnitus.
Persistent or intermittent ringing, hissing, buzzing, or roaring sounds in your ears, that others cannot hear.
Difficulty focusing or sleeping due to perceived sounds.
Feelings of frustration, irritation, or annoyance caused by these sounds.
If these symptoms sound familiar, it might be time to consult a specialist who can help. Reach out to us for help with tinnitus.
How Can You Manage Tinnitus Effectively?
While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, there are several techniques and treatments that can reduce the impact of tinnitus. Below, we’ll explore solutions that cater to both your physical hearing health and mental well-being.
1. Use Sound Therapy
Many people find relief with sound therapy. The concept is simple—reduce the awareness of tinnitus through external sounds. This can be achieved using devices such as white noise machines, fans, or specialized apps that play ocean waves, rainfall, or calming music.
Sound therapy works by providing your brain with an alternate focus, which can help you tune out the internal ringing. It’s especially helpful at night when tinnitus feels particularly loud due to the quiet surroundings.
2. Seek Professional Hearing Care
Your best first step is getting a thorough evaluation from an audiologist. At Hearing & Balance Specialists of Kansas City, we take time to understand your specific tinnitus experience. Through a comprehensive evaluation, we can assess related hearing loss or identify underlying health concerns that might be contributing to the issue.
Tinnitus management options are recommended following the evaluation. Various options, such as hearing aids, may be recommended if hearing loss is a factor. Certain high-quality hearing aids come with tinnitus masking features, which generate soothing sounds or white noise to cover the tinnitus and make it less intrusive.
3. Manage Stress
Stress can make tinnitus worse. Taking steps to lower your stress levels can go a long way toward making tinnitus more manageable. Consider incorporating some relaxation techniques like breathing exercises into your routine. By reducing your overall stress, your perception of tinnitus may also improve.
4. Avoid Triggers
Certain lifestyle habits and environmental factors can exacerbate tinnitus. By being mindful of potential triggers, you can diminish the intensity of the ringing.
Some triggers to watch for include:
Loud noises – These can worsen tinnitus or prolong its intensity. Consider wearing ear protection in noisy environments, such as loud, sporting events or concerts.
Caffeine and alcohol – These stimulants can intensify tinnitus in some people. Try reducing your intake; “everything in moderation!”
Smoking – Smoking affects blood flow and can worsen tinnitus. Quitting may not only improve your tinnitus but also benefit your overall health.
5. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a therapeutic approach that teaches you how to manage tinnitus by changing the way you react to it. While CBT won’t eliminate the noises, it can help reduce the emotional impact the sounds have on you. With the help of a trained therapist, many individuals have reported feeling less bothered and less stressed by their tinnitus.
6. Explore Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)
TRT combines counseling and sound therapy, aiming to train your brain to ignore tinnitus sounds. It’s a long-term approach but can yield significant improvement. TRT is tailored to each person, helping them gradually desensitize to tinnitus over time.
7. Commit to Healthy Lifestyle Changes
Overall wellness plays an unexpected, yet sizeable, role in tinnitus management. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can build resilience to the challenges tinnitus presents. Consider these tips for better health and fewer flare-ups:
Stay physically active – Regular exercise supports circulation and helps reduce stress levels.
Get enough sleep – Establishing a consistent sleep schedule can improve your mood and tolerance for tinnitus.
Prioritize mental health – Connecting with a support group or therapist can provide emotional relief.
Living well will not only support your hearing health but also enhance other aspects of your life.
8. Stay Informed During Tinnitus Awareness Week
Tinnitus Awareness Week, hosted every February, is an excellent opportunity to learn more about new treatments and resources. It brings together experts and advocates to shed light on the condition and provide hope for those in need. Hearing & Balance Specialists of Kansas City prides itself on contributing to awareness and supporting individuals with tinnitus during this important week—and every day of the year.
Why Support Is Key
Managing tinnitus effectively is not something you have to do alone. Support from family, friends, and professionals can make all the difference. Whether it’s encouragement from loved ones or guidance from a hearing care specialist, a strong support system can help you stay optimistic and focused on improvement.

The Next Step to Tinnitus Relief
If the ringing in your ears has begun to affect your daily routine or emotional well-being, don’t wait to seek solutions. At Hearing & Balance Specialists of Kansas City, we’re here to offer comprehensive care tailored to your unique needs. Reach out to us today to explore a tailored tinnitus management plan that could change your life for the better.
"If you or someone you know is struggling with tinnitus and have been told 'nothing can be done,' we want you to know that help is available. There are effective management options that can significantly improve your quality of life—reach out to us today," recommends Laura Flowers, Au.D.
Schedule an appointment at any of our locations so we can discuss and address your hearing health concerns:
Lee’s Summit, MO: (816) 507-8885
Overland Park, KS: (913) 521-9090
Kansas City, MO: (816) 800-8020
Remember, managing tinnitus is a journey—but it’s one you don’t have to walk alone. Support, understanding, and effective strategies are always within reach.
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