Tinnitus and its treatment in Malaga and Granada.

Tinnitus Treatment in Granada (Ringing in the Ears)

If you are reading this page, you may be experiencing tinnitus (ringing, buzzing, hissing, or whistling sounds) and you probably have questions about what it means and what you should do next. Our goal is to help you understand tinnitus clearly and guide you toward the safest, most effective path—without self-diagnosis or “miracle” solutions.

If your tinnitus is new, sudden, or associated with hearing loss, dizziness, or neurological symptoms, do not delay assessment.

Tinnitus is a symptom, not a disease

Tinnitus is a symptom: a sound perceived without an external source. It can be unilateral or bilateral, constant or fluctuating, high- or low-pitched, and sometimes feels “inside the head.” In many cases it is not a sign of a dangerous condition, but it can severely affect quality of life.

Why tinnitus can be so distressing

Tinnitus can interfere with sleep, concentration, memory, mood, and stress levels. The more attention the brain assigns to the sound, the more intrusive it becomes—especially in quiet environments. The key is to reduce its impact and help the nervous system stop “prioritizing” the signal.

Common causes of tinnitus

Tinnitus has multiple possible causes, and a proper ENT evaluation helps identify the relevant factors:

Hearing-related causes (very common): age-related hearing changes, noise exposure, ear infections, Ménière-type disorders, otosclerosis, sudden hearing loss.
Ear canal or middle ear issues: wax plugs, Eustachian tube dysfunction, otitis, tympanic problems.
Somatosensory contributors: neck pain, muscle tension, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Vascular or pulsatile tinnitus: when the sound follows your heartbeat (needs specific assessment).
Medication effects: some drugs may worsen tinnitus in susceptible patients.
Stress/anxiety: can amplify perception and distress (even if not the original cause).

“But my hearing test is normal…”

This is a frequent concern. Sometimes tinnitus is linked to changes that do not show clearly on a standard audiogram (for example, very high frequencies, subtle synaptic damage, or early-stage hearing dysfunction). That is why tinnitus assessment often requires a complete audiological and clinical approach, not a single test.

How we diagnose tinnitus (evidence-based approach)

Our priority is to (1) rule out relevant conditions, (2) assess hearing and tinnitus characteristics, and (3) measure impact on quality of life.

Typical evaluation may include:

ENT examination and otomicroscopy
Audiometry (and, when appropriate, extended high-frequency audiometry)
Tympanometry
Tinnitus profiling (pitch/loudness matching when useful)
Validated questionnaires (e.g., THI—Tinnitus Handicap Inventory)
Imaging or vascular studies only when indicated (asymmetric symptoms, pulsatile tinnitus, red flags)

Treatment: what actually works

Tinnitus treatment depends on the cause and on whether symptoms are acute or persistent.

1) Treat the cause when treatable

If we identify a specific and treatable cause (earwax, middle ear disorder, sudden hearing loss pathway, etc.), we address it directly and promptly.

2) The goal in persistent tinnitus: habituation

For most persistent tinnitus, the objective is habituation: a neurophysiological process where the brain stops reacting to tinnitus as a threat. When habituation is achieved, tinnitus becomes neutral—often noticed only in silence or when attention is directed to it.

3) Evidence-based tools to promote habituation

Sound therapy / sound enrichment (reducing contrast between tinnitus and silence)
Hearing aids when hearing loss is present (often one of the most effective measures)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focused on tinnitus distress and sleep
Structured counseling and personalized follow-up

Be cautious with treatments that promise quick cures. Many supplements and “miracle” protocols have not shown consistent benefit and may lead to frustration and unnecessary expense.

Our tinnitus unit in Granada (Clínica SENT)

Since 2010 we have worked with tinnitus patients through a multidisciplinary approach involving ENT specialists, audiology and psychology, following international standards and clinical evidence. If you are looking for a structured assessment and a clear plan, we can help you.

📍 Clínica SENT, Granada (Spain)