The 4 Types of Tinnitus — Why the Right Diagnosis Changes Everything

Tinnitus is often treated as a single condition — and that misunderstanding is one of the biggest reasons people struggle to find relief. In this episode, Dr. Layne Garrett breaks down the four main types of tinnitus and explains why identifying the correct type is the foundation of effective treatment. You'll learn how primary tinnitus is commonly driven by hearing loss, even when standard hearing tests appear normal, and why properly fitted hearing aids verified with REM can make a meaningful difference. Dr. Garrett also explains secondary tinnitus, where an identifiable and sometimes fixable cause — such as medications, ear conditions, or jaw issues — is often missed. The episode highlights why pulsatile tinnitus should never be dismissed, as it may signal vascular or pressure-related conditions that require medical evaluation. Finally, Dr. Garrett explains somatic tinnitus, where jaw or neck movement changes the sound — and why physical contributors must be addressed alongside hearing care. Throughout the discussion, the focus remains on evidence-based evaluation, interdisciplinary care, and realistic expectations — not quick fixes or sound apps alone. If you've ever been told to "just live with it," this episode explains why that advice is often incomplete and what proper tinnitus care should actually look like. If you'd like to explore more resources about hearing loss and tinnitus, visit our online learning center: https://utahhearingaids.com/learning-center