Tinnitus

Tinnitus: Understanding the Causes & Finding Relief Through Neurosomatic Therapy

Tinnitus (pronounced TIN-ih-tus) is often described as a ringing in the ears, but for many, it may sound more like buzzing, hissing, or even clicking. It’s a frustrating condition—especially when it interferes with sleep, focus, or peace of mind.

According to the Mayo Clinic, tinnitus affects 1 in 5 people and is typically not a sign of something serious. Still, for those who experience it, the symptoms can feel intrusive, constant, and difficult to treat.

At Sarasota Pain Treatment Center, we take a different approach. Through Neurosomatic Therapy, we work to uncover and correct the structural imbalances and muscular issues that may be contributing to tinnitus—often with surprising results.

What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external noise is present. It’s usually classified into two types:

  • Subjective Tinnitus – The most common form, heard only by the individual. It often stems from problems in the outer, middle, or inner ear, or from neurological dysfunction in the auditory system.

  • Objective Tinnitus – Much rarer, this form of tinnitus can actually be heard by a physician during an exam, and may be caused by muscle spasms or vascular issues near the ear.

Common Tinnitus Sounds

Tinnitus can sound different from person to person. Patients often describe hearing:

  • Ringing

  • Buzzing

  • Hissing

  • Clicking

  • Roaring

These sounds can occur in one or both ears, and vary in pitch, tone, or intensity. In some cases, the sound may come and go; for others, it’s constant.

What Causes Tinnitus?

While the exact cause of tinnitus is not always clear, it's often linked to:

  • Age-related hearing loss

  • Ear injury or trauma (e.g. car accidents or concussions)

  • Circulatory issues

  • Certain medications (as a side effect)

  • Earwax buildup

  • Head or neck imbalances affecting the auditory system

In many cases, the source of the problem is not just in the ears, but in the muscular and structural alignment of the body.

Traditional Treatments for Tinnitus

Common medical treatments include:

  1. Noise suppression – White noise machines, hearing aids, or sound-masking devices

  2. Treating underlying conditions – Earwax removal, managing high blood pressure, or treating vascular issues

  3. Medication review – Adjusting or stopping medications that may be contributing to tinnitus

While these treatments may help some individuals, they often focus on managing the symptom, not identifying and treating the root cause.

A Different Approach: Neurosomatic Therapy for Tinnitus

At Sarasota Pain Treatment Center, we view tinnitus through the lens of whole-body biomechanics. Using Neurosomatic Therapy (NST), we look for structural and muscular dysfunctions that could be impacting the ear or auditory nerves.

Here’s how we help:

  • We begin with a full-body postural assessment, evaluating how misalignment may be affecting cranial and auditory structures

  • We examine and treat trigger points—especially in the front of the neck, where muscle tension from trauma (such as whiplash) may refer pain or sensation into the ears

  • Many patients notice a decrease in pitch or volume of the tinnitus sound after these trigger points are released

  • We also assess the alignment of the cranium and jaw, which can shift as a result of pelvic or spinal imbalances and affect overall ear function

This holistic approach helps us identify hidden contributors to tinnitus—often missed by traditional care—and allows the body to return to a more balanced, functional state.

You Don’t Have to Live With It

Tinnitus may not be life-threatening, but it can deeply affect your quality of life. If you’ve tried other treatments without success, or if your tinnitus began after an injury or developed alongside postural issues, Neurosomatic Therapy may offer the breakthrough you need.

Call us today to speak with one of our expert therapists and learn how we can help relieve your tinnitus—naturally, gently, and effectively.

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