What should I do if I have tinnitus?

If your doctor cannot find any medical condition responsible for your tinnitus, you may be referred to an otolaryngologist (commonly called an ear, nose, and throat doctor or an ENT). The ENT will physically examine your head, neck, and ears and test your hearing to determine whether you have hearing loss and tinnitus. You might also be referred to an audiologist who can measure your hearing and evaluate your tinnitus.

It is important to keep in mind that tinnitus is not a disease, but a symptom of an underlying condition, and it's important to address the underlying cause if one is found.