The Atlanta Hearing Doctor helps people with tinnitus from our office at 5885 Glenridge Drive #155, Atlanta, GA 30328, in Sandy Springs, serving patients from across the greater Atlanta area. Audiologist Dr. Maria Wynens has served patients since 1988 and takes the time to understand what you are hearing, how it affects your daily life and what options may help.
Tinnitus Evaluation and Care with Dr. Maria Wynens
Tinnitus is the perception of sound when there is no outside source. It is a symptom rather than a disease, and it is common, especially for people with hearing loss or a history of loud noise exposure. Tinnitus and hearing loss often occur together, and many people with ongoing tinnitus have some hearing loss they have not noticed.
There is no cure for most ongoing tinnitus, but there are well-supported ways to make it less noticeable and less distressing. Treatment at our office means a careful look at your hearing, a clear explanation of what your results mean, and an honest conversation about the options that may help you.
What Tinnitus Can Sound Like
People describe tinnitus in many ways. You may hear:
- Ringing, buzzing or humming
- Hissing, roaring or whooshing
- Clicking or chirping
- A sound in one ear, both ears or the head, constant or coming and going
Brief ringing after a loud concert is common and usually fades within a day or so. If tinnitus does not go away, bothers you or comes with difficulty hearing, an appointment with an audiologist is a good next step.
When to Get Medical Care Promptly
Some symptoms need prompt medical care. Call 911 if tinnitus or hearing loss comes with signs of a stroke, such as sudden numbness or weakness, trouble speaking or a sudden severe headache. Seek medical care the same day if tinnitus comes with a sudden loss of hearing, especially in one ear, sudden or severe dizziness, or starts after a head injury.
See your doctor or an ear, nose and throat specialist promptly, rather than waiting for a routine visit, if:
- Tinnitus is in one ear only, especially with hearing that is worse in that ear
- Tinnitus pulses in time with your heartbeat
- You have ear pain, drainage from the ear, or a blocked feeling that does not clear
If tinnitus is making you feel hopeless or you are having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or call 911 if you are in immediate danger. Our guide to tinnitus explains these warning signs in more detail.
What to Expect at Your Tinnitus Visit
If tinnitus is bothering you, request an appointment or call (404) 252-7528.
A conversation about your tinnitus
Dr. Wynens asks what you hear, when it started, how it affects your sleep, concentration and daily life, and about your noise exposure and health history.
A comprehensive hearing evaluation
Because tinnitus and hearing loss often occur together, understanding your hearing is an important first step. Learn more about our hearing tests.
Your results and options, explained
Dr. Wynens explains what your results show and walks you through your tinnitus management options, including whether a visit with your doctor or an ear, nose and throat specialist is recommended.
Ways to Make Tinnitus Less Bothersome
No single approach works for everyone, and many people find tinnitus easier to live with over time. Depending on your hearing and how tinnitus affects you, options Dr. Wynens may discuss include:
- Understanding your tinnitus: Learning what tinnitus is, and that it is rarely a sign of serious disease, often eases worry about it.
- Hearing aids, if you have hearing loss: Hearing aids can make everyday sounds easier to hear, and some people find their tinnitus less noticeable while wearing them. Many include tinnitus sound programs. They do not cure tinnitus.
- Sound enrichment: Soft background sound, such as a fan, a sound machine or an app, can make tinnitus less noticeable, especially at night.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy: CBT, delivered by a trained therapist or a structured program, has the most research support for reducing the distress tinnitus causes.
- Everyday habits: Protecting your ears from loud noise, keeping a regular sleep routine and relaxation techniques can help some people.
If you choose hearing aids, Dr. Wynens provides a personalized hearing aid fitting.
Be cautious of any product that promises to cure tinnitus. Read our guide to tinnitus for more on what the evidence shows.
Tinnitus Help in Sandy Springs
Our office is in Union Park on Glenridge Drive in Sandy Springs, with easy access from I-285 and GA 400, and we see patients from throughout the greater Atlanta area.
Contact our office
Call (404) 252-7528 or request an appointment. We are open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Tell us about your tinnitus
Let us know what you hear, how long you have noticed it, and the time of day that suits you best.
Visit our Sandy Springs office
We are at 5885 Glenridge Drive #155, Atlanta, GA 30328. Directions are on our contact page.
Curious what other patients have experienced? Read our patient reviews.
