501 N Graham, Suite 455, Portland, OR 97227

10330 SE 32nd Ave, Suite 320 Milwaukie, OR 97222

Tinnitus

Tinnitus describes any abnormal sound heard in the ear. Tinnitus may be described as a high or low pitch, ringing, roaring, buzzing, humming, cricket-like, or pulsating, among various other descriptions. Tinnitus is most commonly caused by hearing loss, but may have multiple other causes - wax build-up, Meniere's disease, fluid in the ear, eardrum perforation, benign vascular causes, or least commonly, tumors. Treatment is aimed at the underlying cause - most commonly hearing loss. Hearing aids may help to mask the sound in cases associated with hearing loss. Other masking devices (produce sound to mimic and eventually desensitize the ear to the tinnitus sound) may offer relief as well. Some over-the-counter herbal remedies or antioxidant vitamins may be recommended. Anxiolytic / sedative medications may offer short-term control of symptoms, but are usually not recommended for long-term treatment. Steroids may be offered in cases associated with sudden hearing loss or vertigo. Surgery usually does not play a role in tinnitus management.

Disclaimer:
The information on this website is provided for educational and information purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with a licensed medical provider and follow their recommendations regardless of what you read on this website. If you think you are having a medical emergency, dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Links to other third-party websites are provided for your convenience only. If you decide to access any of the third-party websites, you do so entirely at your own risk and subject to the terms of use for those websites. Neither Northwest ENT & Allergy Care PC, nor any contributor to this website, makes any representation, express or implied, regarding the information provided on this website or any information you may access on a third-party website using a link. Use of this website does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. If you would like to request an appointment with a health care provider, please call our office at (503) 513-8693.

About a home sleep study we offer

Watermark integrated home sleep technology is a fast, simple and cost effective alternative for the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. After identification of appropriate candidates for testing through a validated OSA risk questionnaire, home sleep testing equipment is provided to the patient by the provider. The Watermark sleep testing devices have been validated to be as effective as an in-lab sleep studies, yet with the convenience and simplicity of being performed in the comfort of the patients home at a fraction of the cost. Upon completion of the 2 night study, the information is uploaded to the WM Sleep Portal where the study data is auto-processed, undergoes a technical QA edit and professional interpretation by Dr. Adrian Varela, board certified sleep physician before being returned to the ordering provider for diagnosis, all within 48 hours.