Why Timing Matters if You Have Tinnitus

Tinnitus—ringing, buzzing, whooshing, or humming in the ears—is very common. For many people it is
annoying but not dangerous. For others, it can be an early warning sign of a more serious
medical or hearing issue that needs prompt attention.

The challenge is knowing which category you fall into. That’s why it helps to understand the difference between:

• Emergency symptoms – go to the ER or urgent care right away
• Urgent symptoms – call your doctor or ENT within 24–72 hours
• Routine symptoms – schedule a non-emergency appointment with an audiologist

If you’re not sure whether what you’re hearing “counts” as tinnitus, start with
Do I Have Tinnitus?, then come back to this page to decide about next steps.

Tinnitus Symptoms: When It’s an Emergency

These symptoms can be associated with conditions like sudden sensorineural hearing loss, stroke, or serious
inner ear disorders. If you’re reading this and actively experiencing any of these symptoms, treat it as an
emergency and seek care before worrying about appointments.

For more detail on sudden-onset tinnitus, see:
Sudden Tinnitus: Should I Go to the ER?

Urgent but Not Emergency: Call Your Doctor Promptly

Some tinnitus situations don’t require an ER visit, but they should not be ignored. In these cases, call your
primary care doctor, ENT, or audiologist as soon as possible—ideally within a few days.

When to See an Audiologist First

In many non-emergency cases, an audiologist is the best first stop for tinnitus—especially at a
clinic experienced with tinnitus and sound sensitivity.

You should book an audiology appointment if:

• Tinnitus has lasted more than a week and doesn’t seem to be fading
• You notice any difficulty hearing conversations, TV, or high-pitched sounds
• You’ve had long-term noise exposure (concerts, tools, headphones, etc.)
• You already wear hearing aids and your tinnitus seems different or louder
• You’re not sure whether to see an ENT, primary care doctor, or audiologist first

At California Hearing Center, our audiologists provide comprehensive
hearing testing and tinnitus therapy.
In many cases, we can manage tinnitus directly or coordinate with ENTs and other specialists when needed.

If you’re researching options near Stanford and the Peninsula, you may also find

Hearing Test Clinics Near Stanford University

helpful for understanding your choices.

Audiologist vs ENT vs Primary Care: Who’s Right for Me?

A simple way to think about it:

Tinnitus in Children & Teens

Children and teenagers can experience tinnitus too, especially after loud events, ear infections, or with certain
medical conditions. Younger patients may not always have the language to describe ringing in the ears—they may
just say “my ear sounds funny” or complain about a constant noise.

Schedule a pediatric evaluation if your child:

• Mentions ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in one or both ears
• Has trouble hearing teachers, classmates, or TV
• Recently had a loud noise exposure or a significant ear infection
• Is unusually sensitive to noise or complains in loud environments

Early testing can rule out serious concerns and provide peace of mind for you and your child. Our
About Us page explains more about our audiologists’ training and approach to family care.

What Happens If You Wait Too Long?

Many people try to “wait out” tinnitus, hoping it will disappear. Sometimes it does—especially when caused by
short-term noise exposure or temporary ear conditions. But waiting too long can have downsides:

• Missed window to treat sudden hearing loss more effectively
• Ongoing sleep disruption and rising stress levels
• Strain on work, relationships, and mental health
• Increased awareness of tinnitus as the brain learns to “focus” on the sound

The good news: you don’t have to choose between ignoring tinnitus and panicking. A hearing evaluation and tinnitus
consult are low-risk, high-value steps that either rule out serious issues or give you a clear plan to move forward.

Our article
Can Stress Make Tinnitus Worse? What Atherton Patients Should Know
explains how stress and waiting can create a frustrating feedback loop—and how to break it.

Next Steps: How Our Clinic Evaluates Tinnitus

When you schedule a tinnitus evaluation at California Hearing Center, we’ll guide you through a step-by-step
process designed to answer three questions:

1. Is there anything medically urgent that needs immediate attention?
2. What is the most likely cause (or causes) of your tinnitus?
3. Which treatment or management options are best for your situation?

Your visit typically includes:

• Detailed history of your tinnitus, health, medications, and noise exposure
• Otoscopy to check for earwax, infection, or visible issues
• Comprehensive hearing testing to look for changes or asymmetry
• Tinnitus pitch and loudness matching, when appropriate
• Discussion of tinnitus treatment options, including
  hearing aids for tinnitus,
  sound therapy, and counseling

For a deeper look at the appointment process, visit
What to Expect at Your Tinnitus Appointment and learn how patients from
nearby communities benefit from our care in:

Tinnitus Treatment Options in Palo Alto: What Actually Works?

and

Tinnitus Treatment Options Near Atherton’s Lindenwood Neighborhood
.

If you’re wondering whether tinnitus will ever go away, our guides
Can Tinnitus Go Away on Its Own? and
Is My Tinnitus Permanent?
walk through what to expect over time.