If you've ever lain awake at night with a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in your ears that no one else can hear, you're not alone. For many individuals, tinnitus isn’t just an occasional annoyance—it’s a persistent issue that can profoundly interfere with sleep. At South Florida ENT Associates, we understand how frustrating this experience can be, and we're here to help you understand the connection between tinnitus and insomnia—and more importantly, what you can do about it.
What Is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound, such as ringing, buzzing, clicking, or hissing, when no external sound is present. It’s not a condition but a symptom of an underlying medical issue, such as hearing loss, ear damage, or vascular abnormalities.
There are two main types of tinnitus:
- Subjective Tinnitus: The most common form. Only you can hear the sound. It's typically linked to hearing loss or problems in the auditory nerves or brain.
- Objective Tinnitus: A much rarer form, in which your doctor can also hear the sound during an examination. This version is often caused by physical issues with the ear’s blood vessels or muscles.
Common triggers include:
- Age-related hearing loss (typically beginning around age 60)
- Prolonged exposure to loud noises
- Impacted earwax
- Structural problems in the middle ear bones
- Head or neck injuries
- Certain medications
- Blood vessel disorders
Why Tinnitus May Keep You Up at Night
That ringing in your ears often becomes more noticeable in quiet moments, especially during the evening or while trying to fall asleep. As external distractions fade, the internal noise of tinnitus can seem amplified, making it harder for your mind to settle down and drift off.
This constant auditory stimulation can:
- Delay the time it takes to fall asleep
- Disrupt your ability to stay asleep
- Impact the quality of deep sleep
- Trigger nighttime anxiety or restlessness
Poor sleep can heighten one's perception of tinnitus, creating a cycle of sleeplessness and stress that is difficult to break.
How SFENTA Can Help: Diagnosis & Treatment Options
If you're experiencing sleep issues related to tinnitus, it's essential to have a comprehensive evaluation with one of our board-certified ENT doctors to identify the source and explore treatment options.
Our diagnostic approach typically includes:
- Hearing exams in a soundproof room
- CT scans or MRI imaging for further evaluation
- Medical history review and symptom analysis
Treatment varies depending on your unique situation. In some cases, tinnitus symptoms can be significantly reduced or even eliminated by:
- Removing earwax blockages
- Managing blood vessel conditions
- Adjusting medications
When tinnitus cannot be cured entirely, we provide tools to help make it more manageable, especially at night. These may include:
- White noise machines
- Hearing aids with masking features
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for tinnitus-related anxiety
- Sleep hygiene strategies for improved rest
Find Relief—and Rest—With SFENTA
With over 50 ENT specialists across 37 locations in South Florida, compassionate, personalized care is always nearby. If you’re struggling with tinnitus and insomnia, don’t wait. Let our experienced providers help you break the cycle of sleepless nights and constant ringing.
Contact South Florida ENT Associates today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward quiet, restful sleep.
