Tinnitus Evaluations in El Paso, TX

We are the only Board-Certified Tinnitus Expert in El Paso, TX.

If you’re constantly hearing a ringing, buzzing, humming, or hissing sound that no one else can hear, you’re not imagining things - you’re likely experiencing tinnitus. While tinnitus is common, affecting about 1 in 5 people, it can have a profound impact on your daily life. Whether it’s a mild distraction or a constant, overwhelming presence, tinnitus can affect your ability to focus, enjoy quiet moments, relax, and even fall asleep.

At Desert Peak Hearing and Balance Clinic, we understand how frustrating and exhausting living with tinnitus can be. That’s why we’ve developed a specialized tinnitus program dedicated to helping you manage these symptoms and regain control over your life. Led by our expert audiologist, Dr. Bo Martinez - trained in Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) - our team provides personalized, evidence-based care focused on reducing the impact of tinnitus and helping you find relief that lasts.

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the absence of an external source. In other words, you hear sounds that aren’t actually present in your environment. These sounds can take many forms - ringing, buzzing, humming, hissing, whistling, or even clicking. For some people, the sounds are soft and easy to ignore. For others, they’re loud, constant, and intrusive, affecting concentration, sleep, and emotional well-being.

While tinnitus is not a disease itself, it’s often a symptom of an underlying issue, such as hearing loss, noise exposure, ear infections, or even stress. It can be a temporary problem for some, especially after exposure to loud noises, but for many, it becomes a chronic condition that disrupts daily life.

At Desert Peak Hearing and Balance Clinic, we take a comprehensive approach to understanding and managing your tinnitus. Our goal is to help you "tune it out" - reducing its prominence and helping you regain peace of mind.

Our Tinnitus Program

Our tinnitus program is designed to walk you through every stage of care, from identifying possible causes to developing long-term management strategies. We take the time to understand your unique experience with tinnitus and provide solutions that fit your lifestyle and goals.

Step 1: Comprehensive Evaluation

The first step to managing tinnitus is understanding it. During your initial appointment, we conduct a thorough evaluation to assess whether hearing loss or other auditory issues are contributing to your tinnitus.

This comprehensive evaluation involves advanced hearing tests to determine the presence and degree of hearing loss, as hearing loss is one of the most common factors associated with tinnitus. Identifying and addressing underlying hearing issues can often play a significant role in reducing the intensity and impact of tinnitus.

We’ll also explore your medical history, lifestyle factors, and any situations that seem to trigger or worsen your symptoms. By gaining a complete picture of your experience, we’re able to develop a care plan tailored to your specific needs.

Step 2: Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)

At the core of our tinnitus program is Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT), a clinically proven approach that helps you change the way your brain responds to tinnitus. Instead of focusing on “eliminating” the sound - which isn’t always possible - TRT focuses on helping you retrain your brain to perceive tinnitus as a neutral sound, something that doesn’t trigger stress, anxiety, or frustration.

  • Tinnitus Assessment:
    We start by evaluating the characteristics of your tinnitus - what it sounds like, how loud it is, when it’s most noticeable, and how it’s affecting your day-to-day life. This helps us better understand how your brain is processing the sound and which strategies will be most effective for you.

  • Expert Counseling:
    Education is a critical part of TRT. Our audiologist works closely with you to help you understand the science behind tinnitus and how your emotional response plays a key role in its severity. Through counseling, you’ll learn techniques to reframe tinnitus as a neutral, non-threatening sound. Over time, this helps reduce the emotional and physical stress associated with it.

  • Sound Therapy:
    Sound therapy uses external sounds to help reduce the perception of tinnitus. This can include hearing aids (which amplify environmental sounds), sound generators, or environmental background noise. These sounds help mask the tinnitus, making it less noticeable and allowing your brain to focus on the sounds around you instead.

    Sound therapy is personalized based on your needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for subtle background sounds to help during the day or specific sounds to improve sleep at night, we’ll find a solution that works for you.

Step 3: Supportive Strategies

Managing tinnitus often goes beyond sound therapy. Our program includes practical strategies to support your emotional and physical well-being.

  • Stress Management and Mindfulness Techniques:
    Stress and anxiety are known to make tinnitus feel louder and more intrusive. That’s why we offer guidance on mindfulness practices, relaxation exercises, and breathing techniques to help calm your nervous system. These strategies reduce the body’s fight-or-flight response, which can help lower the emotional impact of tinnitus.

  • Sleep Tips and Lifestyle Advice:
    Tinnitus can often feel worse at night when the world is quiet and distractions are minimal. We provide personalized sleep strategies to help you fall asleep more easily and improve your rest. From using sound machines to adjusting nighttime routines, we’ll help you create an environment that promotes relaxation and better sleep quality.

Step 4: Ongoing Support

Tinnitus management is a process, and we’re committed to walking alongside you every step of the way. After your initial treatment plan is in place, we schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress, make adjustments as needed, and provide continued support.

Most patients see noticeable improvement within 3 to 12 months, with many reporting reduced awareness of tinnitus and an improved ability to focus, relax, and sleep. While everyone’s journey is different, our team is dedicated to helping you reach your personal goals and regain a greater sense of peace.

Why Choose Desert Peak Hearing and Balance Clinic?

  • Specialized Expertise:
    Our program is led by Dr. Bo Martinez, the area’s only audiologist trained in Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) - a proven, evidence-based method for managing tinnitus. You can trust that you’re receiving care backed by advanced clinical knowledge and hands-on experience.

  • Patient-Centered Care:
    We understand that no two people experience tinnitus the same way. That’s why we take the time to listen to your concerns, understand how tinnitus is affecting your life, and develop a care plan that fits your lifestyle, needs, and personal goals.

  • Collaborative Approach:
    We work closely with your primary care physician and other specialists as needed, providing detailed reports and regular updates to ensure you’re receiving comprehensive, coordinated care.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

If tinnitus is interfering with your peace of mind and daily activities, you don’t have to face it alone. Let us help you find real solutions and lasting relief through our specialized tinnitus program.