Tinnitus Specialist

Steven D. Kushnick, MD Our Services Tinnitus
Steven D. Kushnick, MD - - ENT

Steven D. Kushnick, MD

ENT located in Brooklyn, NY

Tinnitus, a ringing or swishing sound in the ear, is a common complaint that affects about 10% of people in the United States every year. Though not harmful, tinnitus may be disturbing, especially in chronic cases. Steven D. Kushnick, MD, can help you get relief from your tinnitus at his office in the Fort Greene neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. Dr. Kushnick is an experienced ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist and can find and treat the root cause of your tinnitus. Call the office or book an appointment online today.

Tinnitus Q & A

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a ringing, roaring, or swishing sound in the ear. Your tinnitus may affect one or both ears and may be loud or soft and vary in pitch.

Tinnitus is common and affects almost everyone at some point during their life. It’s not a disease, but a symptom indicating something is wrong with your auditory system. 

What causes tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a symptom that might develop from several causes. The ringing in your ear may be from:

  • An ear or sinus infection
  • Hearing loss from exposure to loud noises
  • A buildup of earwax
  • Hormonal changes 
  • Thyroid problems
  • Diseases that affect the blood vessels or heart
  • Meniere’s disease
  • Acoustic neuroma (a benign tumor on the hearing nerve)
  • Jaw misalignment
  • Aging

You may be at greater risk of developing tinnitus if you work in a noisy environment. Tinnitus may also be an early symptom of hearing loss. 

Pulsatile tinnitus is an uncommon type of tinnitus that causes a rhythmic pulsing sound in the ear. Problems in blood flow in your neck or head may cause pulsatile tinnitus.  

What can I expect during a tinnitus consultation?

When you come in to see Dr. Kushnick with concerns about ongoing tinnitus, he conducts an in-depth clinical exam to find the root cause of your symptoms. During your consultation, he reviews your symptoms and medical history and performs a physical exam.

He also closely examines your ears' structure and function and may request diagnostic tests, such as hearing tests or a head CT scan, to determine the right diagnosis. 

How is tinnitus treated?

Dr. Kushnick creates personalized treatment plans for tinnitus based on the underlying cause of your symptoms. In most cases, the ringing in the ear resolves on its own.

For chronic tinnitus, your treatment plan may include:

  • Removal of earwax
  • Antibiotic to treat an infection
  • Allergy medication
  • Hearing aids
  • Sound generators to mask the tinnitus
  • Acoustic neural stimulation
  • Cochlear implants
  • Surgery to remove tumors or fix structural abnormalities

Chronic tinnitus may affect your mental well-being, and Dr. Kushnick may refer you to a therapist for counseling. 

If you experience constant noise in your ear that no one else hears, call the office of Steven D. Kushnick, MD, or book an appointment online today.

What we offer

Services