Understanding Tinnitus: What’s That Ringing in Your Ears?
If you’ve ever noticed a ringing, buzzing, hissing, or whooshing sound in your ears when no external sound is present—you’re not alone. This experience is called tinnitus, and it affects over 50 million Americans of all ages. For some, it’s a mild annoyance that comes and goes. For others, it can be a constant sound that interferes with sleep, focus, and overall quality of life.
At Whatcom Audiology, we understand how frustrating tinnitus can be. That’s why Dr. Maassen recently attended the American Academy of Audiology’s 2025 Academy Research Conference (ARC) focused entirely on Diagnosis and Management of Tinnitus. This national conference brought together leading researchers and clinicians to share the latest insights on what causes tinnitus, how it’s diagnosed, and the most effective treatment options available today.
What Causes Tinnitus?
Tinnitus isn’t a disease—it’s a symptom of something else happening in the auditory system. Common causes include:
- Hearing loss (age-related or noise-induced)
- Earwax buildup
- Exposure to loud noise
- Certain medications
- Jaw or neck issues (TMJ disorders)
- Circulatory or neurological changes
In many cases, tinnitus is linked to hearing loss, even if the hearing change is so slight it goes unnoticed.
What’s New in Tinnitus Research?
During the ARC 2025 conference, experts discussed advances in how tinnitus is measured and managed. There’s growing evidence that tinnitus involves not just the ear, but also how the brain processes sound and attention.
New research is focusing on:
- Sound therapy and hearing aid technology that retrains the brain’s response to tinnitus.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques to help reduce emotional distress related to tinnitus.
- Emerging treatments that combine hearing devices with customized sound programs to promote relief and relaxation.
Dr. Maassen stays up-to-date with these innovations to provide personalized tinnitus care and practical management strategies for patients here in Whatcom County.
What Can You Do About Tinnitus?
While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all “cure” for tinnitus, there are many ways to manage it and reduce its impact on daily life. Our approach at Whatcom Audiology often includes:
- Comprehensive hearing evaluations to identify underlying hearing loss
- Custom sound therapy programs using hearing aids or tinnitus maskers
- Education and counseling to help you understand your tinnitus
- Relaxation and lifestyle techniques to reduce stress (which often makes tinnitus worse)
If you’ve been searching online for “how to stop ringing in my ears” or “tinnitus treatment near me,” know that there are effective ways to regain control and improve your quality of life.
Learn How to Manage Your Tinnitus
Tinnitus may be common, but it doesn’t have to control your life. If you’re experiencing ringing or buzzing in your ears, we encourage you to schedule a hearing and tinnitus consultation with our team. We’ll take the time to understand your experience and create a plan that works for you.
Contact Whatcom Audiology today to learn more or request an appointment at 360-392-8683.