Tinnitus Treatment in California: Expert Care for Ringing in the Ears

Tinnitus Treatment in California, Calabasas

If you are hearing ringing, buzzing, hissing, or a “whooshing” sound that nobody else can hear, you already know how exhausting tinnitus can be. It can hijack your focus at work, make quiet moments feel unsettling, and turn sleep into a nightly negotiation.

I am Dr. Alireza Chizari, and in this article I will explain how I approach Tinnitus Treatment in California, especially for patients who want a clear plan, a careful evaluation, and a calm, evidence-informed path forward.

You are the hero of this story. You are the one living with the sound and the uncertainty. My role, and the role of California Brain & Spine Center in Calabasas, is to be your expert guide: to listen closely, evaluate the full picture, explain what we find in plain English, and design care that fits your life.

Why tinnitus can feel bigger than “just a sound”

Tinnitus is not only about your ears. It can affect your attention, mood, sleep, and even your confidence in social settings. Many people tell me they feel misunderstood because tinnitus is invisible. On the outside, you look fine. Inside, it can feel like your nervous system is stuck on high alert.

In my clinic, I treat tinnitus as a whole-person problem. That means I pay attention to the brain, the inner ear, the neck, jaw function, stress physiology, and the way your nervous system adapts over time. This is where a neurological and chiropractic lens can be valuable.

Why tinnitus can feel bigger than “just a sound”

What tinnitus really is, and what it is not

Tinnitus is a symptom, not a diagnosis. It is the perception of sound without an external source. Sometimes it is tied to hearing changes. Sometimes it is driven by irritation in the auditory system. Sometimes it is influenced by neck mechanics, jaw tension, concussion history, vestibular dysfunction, or autonomic nervous system imbalance.

What tinnitus is not, in most cases, is a sign that you are “going crazy.” Many patients feel relief when they hear this clearly. Your brain is doing what brains do: detecting patterns, protecting you from perceived threats, and adapting to signals. The goal of Tinnitus Treatment in California is to reduce the intensity and intrusiveness of tinnitus and help your nervous system stop treating it as an emergency.

You do not need perfect silence to heal. You need a nervous system that feels safe enough to let silence return.

The most common reasons tinnitus starts, worsens, or refuses to leave

Tinnitus often has more than one contributor. That is why one-size-fits-all advice can be so frustrating.

Hearing system changes and noise exposure

Age-related hearing changes and loud noise exposure can alter how auditory pathways process sound. When the brain receives less clear input at certain frequencies, it may “fill in the gap.” This can show up as ringing or buzzing.

Neck tension, posture, and cervicogenic triggers

Your upper neck has a powerful connection to balance and sensory processing. Tight suboccipital muscles, joint restriction, and poor posture can change sensory input to the brainstem. In some people, tinnitus can fluctuate with neck position or muscle tension. This is one reason Tinnitus Treatment in Calabasas may include careful cervical evaluation and precise, safe manual strategies when appropriate.

Jaw joint stress and clenching patterns

Temporomandibular joint irritation, clenching, and bruxism can be linked to tinnitus in certain patients. If your tinnitus changes with jaw movement, chewing, or pressure near the jaw, that is useful information for planning care.

Concussion, minor head injury, and neuro-sensory overload

After a concussion or even a “minor” head injury, it is common to see sound sensitivity, dizziness, visual strain, brain fog, and tinnitus in the same patient. The auditory system can become more reactive when the brain is working harder to stabilize balance and vision.

Safety first: symptoms you should not ignore

Most tinnitus is not dangerous, but some patterns require urgent evaluation. If any of the following apply, seek medical care promptly (and in some cases urgently):

  • Sudden hearing loss in one or both ears, especially within the last 72 hours ✅
  • Pulsatile tinnitus that matches your heartbeat (a rhythmic whooshing)
  • New severe dizziness, facial weakness, numbness, or trouble speaking
  • Tinnitus after significant head trauma with worsening neurological symptoms
  • A new one-sided tinnitus with significant ear fullness or pressure

If you suspect sudden hearing loss, treat it as time-sensitive. Early evaluation can matter.

Trust your instincts. When your body flags something as new or alarming, you deserve a careful and timely medical answer.

How tinnitus is evaluated at California Brain & Spine Center

At California Brain & Spine Center, the clinical approach reflects Dr. Alireza Chizari’s combined background in engineering, Gonstead chiropractic precision, and postdoctoral clinical neuroscience training. Patients are not rushed through a generic script. The evaluation is designed to identify which systems are driving symptoms and how those systems interact.

Because tinnitus can overlap with dizziness, post-concussion symptoms, neck pain, and autonomic dysfunction, the clinic often considers a broader neurological picture than a typical “ear-only” visit. This is not a replacement for ENT or audiology care when indicated. It is a complementary, systems-based approach that helps many complex patients find traction.

What a structured tinnitus-focused evaluation may include

  • Detailed symptom mapping: onset, triggers, sleep impact, sound sensitivity, stress load
  • Neurological exam focused on sensory integration, balance, and eye movement control
  • Cervical spine and posture assessment, including movement patterns that change symptoms
  • Screening for vestibular dysfunction when dizziness, nausea, or visual strain is present
  • Review of concussion history, migraines, medication effects, and autonomic symptoms

This kind of roadmap helps personalize Tinnitus Treatment in California instead of guessing.

How tinnitus is evaluated at California Brain & Spine Center

What personalized tinnitus care can look like when the goal is real function

At California Brain & Spine Center, care plans are built around measurable function. That means not only “Is the sound still there?” but also “Are you sleeping better? Are you less anxious about quiet rooms? Are you back to driving, working, exercising, and living without constant scanning for symptoms?”

Depending on the findings, a plan may integrate neurological rehabilitation, vestibular strategies, cervical care, and non-invasive neurology tools. This is where the clinic’s broader focus on complex neuro-sensory conditions becomes relevant.

Therapies that may be considered based on your specific profile

Patients may be guided through combinations of:

  • Vestibular Rehabilitation and balance retraining when tinnitus overlaps with dizziness or visual motion sensitivity
  • Neuroplasticity Rehabilitation and NeuroSensory Integration (NSI) strategies when the brain is “over-amplifying” signals
  • Cognitive Rehabilitation when tinnitus is paired with brain fog, poor attention, or post-concussion fatigue
  • Targeted, precise chiropractic approaches when neck input appears to be a driver
  • Evidence-informed, non-invasive neurology therapies such as Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF), Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), and GammaCore vagus nerve stimulation when clinically appropriate
  • The NeuroRevive Program framework when symptoms reflect a broader post-injury or dysregulation picture

The goal is not to chase symptoms randomly. The goal is to reduce the nervous system’s threat response and improve stability across hearing, balance, and sensory processing. 💎

Healing often starts the moment you stop blaming yourself, and start building a plan that matches how your nervous system actually works.

Practical steps you can start today while you pursue care

Many patients ask me what they can do right now. While a full evaluation matters, there are safe steps that often reduce distress and make treatment more effective.

Build “sound neutrality” instead of fighting silence

In many cases, total silence makes tinnitus feel louder. Gentle background sound can reduce contrast and help your brain stop spotlighting the tinnitus signal. That might be a fan, nature sounds, or low-level ambient audio.

Protect your sleep because sleep protects your brain

Tinnitus frequently worsens when sleep is poor. Even small improvements in routine can reduce reactivity. Keep the room cool, reduce late caffeine, and consider sound enrichment at night if silence triggers anxiety.

Reduce jaw and neck overload

If you clench, sit with forward head posture, or spend long hours on screens, your neck and jaw may be feeding sensory “noise” into the system. Short posture breaks, gentle mobility, and reducing clenching habits can help some patients feel more stable.

Practical steps you can start today while you pursue care

Why tinnitus sometimes pairs with dizziness, brain fog, and dysautonomia symptoms

At California Brain & Spine Center, tinnitus is often seen alongside dizziness, balance problems, visual disturbances, brain fog, and fatigue. This pattern is common after concussions, vestibular disorders, and autonomic nervous system dysregulation.

In these cases, the brain is working harder to interpret sensory information. Vision, inner ear input, and neck proprioception must agree for you to feel stable. If one system is “off,” the brain can increase gain and vigilance. Patients may then notice tinnitus more intensely, especially during stress, poor sleep, dehydration, or screen-heavy days.

This is one reason Tinnitus Treatment in California may involve more than ear-focused strategies alone. When the whole sensory network is supported, tinnitus often becomes less dominant.

Your symptoms are not random. They are signals. When we decode the pattern, your next steps become clearer.

A real patient story from my clinic

Some time ago, a patient I will call A. came to see me after months of persistent ringing and intermittent dizziness following a minor car accident. Imaging had been “normal,” and the tinnitus was labeled as something they might just have to live with. But A. was not only hearing ringing. They were sleeping poorly, feeling visually overwhelmed in busy stores, and avoiding driving on the freeway around Calabasas and Westlake Village because motion made them feel unsafe.

When I evaluated A., the tinnitus did not exist in isolation. There were signs of vestibular mismatch, neck-driven sensory irritation, and a nervous system that was stuck in a heightened protective mode. We built a plan that combined vestibular rehabilitation, targeted neuro-sensory exercises, and careful cervical work aligned with precise biomechanics. We also integrated a broader neuroplasticity rehabilitation strategy using tools available through our clinic’s non-invasive neurology approach.

Over time, A. reported that the tinnitus became less intrusive. The bigger win was that their confidence returned. They slept more consistently, tolerated motion better, and stopped organizing their life around symptom avoidance. That is the heart of Tinnitus Treatment in Calabasas as I practice it: you do not just “cope” with symptoms. You rebuild function and stability, step by step.

Your most common questions about Tinnitus Treatment in California

  1. Is tinnitus always caused by hearing loss?
    No. Hearing changes are a common factor, but tinnitus can also be influenced by jaw tension, neck mechanics, concussion history, vestibular dysfunction, migraines, stress physiology, and medication effects. A thorough evaluation helps identify what is most relevant in your case so Tinnitus Treatment in California is personalized, not generic.
  2. When should I see an ENT vs a neurological and vestibular clinic?
    If you have sudden hearing loss, severe ear pain, drainage, or pulsatile tinnitus, start with urgent medical evaluation and often ENT. If your tinnitus is persistent or paired with dizziness, visual strain, brain fog, neck pain, or post-concussion symptoms, a neurological and vestibular-focused clinic can add major value by evaluating the sensory network that influences your symptoms.
  3. Can tinnitus improve even if it has been present for months or years?
    Often, yes. Many people do not get a “switch off” moment, but they do experience meaningful improvements in intensity, intrusiveness, sleep, and emotional reactivity. The nervous system can change through neuroplasticity. The right plan can reduce threat signaling and improve stability, which is a core goal of Tinnitus Treatment in California.
  4. What if my tinnitus gets worse with stress or lack of sleep?
    That pattern is common and important. Stress and poor sleep increase nervous system reactivity and can amplify sensory signals. Treatment often includes strategies to stabilize sleep, reduce overload, and improve vestibular and sensory integration. This is not “all in your head.” It is your physiology responding to real inputs.
  5. Do non-invasive therapies like PEMF, HBOT, or vagus nerve stimulation help tinnitus?
    They can be helpful for selected patients, especially when tinnitus is part of a broader neurological dysregulation pattern such as post-concussion symptoms, autonomic imbalance, or inflammatory recovery issues. The right question is not “Does it help tinnitus in general?” The right question is “Does it match your physiology and your findings?” That is why assessment matters.
  6. What should I do if my tinnitus is only in one ear?
    One-sided tinnitus can still be benign, but it deserves careful evaluation, especially if it is new, worsening, or paired with hearing changes, dizziness, or ear fullness. A structured workup helps rule out higher-risk causes and directs you to the right care pathway.
Conclusion

Tinnitus can feel isolating, but you are not alone, and you are not powerless. In this article I explained how Tinnitus Treatment in California works best when it is guided by a structured evaluation, a whole-system view, and a plan that targets function, not just symptoms.

I want you to remember three takeaways. First, tinnitus is a symptom with multiple possible drivers. Second, many cases improve when we support the brain’s sensory network, sleep, and nervous system regulation. Third, the best outcomes happen when your care is personalized, measured, and grounded in real clinical reasoning.

If you are looking for Tinnitus Treatment in Calabasas or anywhere in Southern California, I invite you to take the next step with clarity and confidence. You are the hero here. My job is to guide you with expertise, calm, and a plan that respects your life.

Call to action: If you are ready for a personalized tinnitus and neurological evaluation, contact California Brain & Spine Center in Calabasas to request an appointment. My team and I will help you understand what is driving your symptoms and build a practical path toward better sleep, steadier function, and a quieter nervous system.

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FAQ

What is Functional Neurology?

Functional Neurology is a healthcare specialty that focuses on assessing and rehabilitating the nervous system’s function. It emphasizes neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize—using non-invasive, evidence-based interventions to improve neurological performance.

Traditional neurology often concentrates on diagnosing and treating neurological diseases through medications or surgery. In contrast, Functional Neurology aims to optimize the nervous system’s function by identifying and addressing dysfunctions through personalized, non-pharmaceutical interventions.

No. Functional Neurology is intended to complement, not replace, traditional medical care. Practitioners often collaborate with medical professionals to provide comprehensive care.

Functional Neurology has been applied to various conditions, including:

• Concussions and Post-Concussion Syndrome

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

• Vestibular Disorders

• Migraines and Headaches

• Neurodevelopmental Disorders (e.g., ADHD, Autism)

• Movement Disorders

• Dysautonomia

• Peripheral Neuropathy

• Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)

While Functional Neurology does not cure neurodegenerative diseases, it can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life by optimizing the function of existing neural pathways.

Functional Neurologists employ various assessments, including:

• Videonystagmography (VNG)

• Computerized Posturography

• Oculomotor Testing

• Vestibular Function Tests

• Neurocognitive Evaluations

Progress is tracked through repeated assessments, patient-reported outcomes, and objective measures such as balance tests, eye movement tracking, and cognitive performance evaluations.

Interventions may include:

  • Vestibular Rehabilitation
  • Oculomotor Exercises
  • Sensorimotor Integration
  • Cognitive Training
  • Balance and Coordination Exercises
  • Nutritional Counseling
  • Lifestyle Modifications

Absolutely. Treatment plans are tailored to the individual’s specific neurological findings, symptoms, and functional goals.

Individuals with unresolved neurological symptoms, those seeking non-pharmaceutical interventions, or patients aiming to optimize brain function can benefit from Functional Neurology.

Yes. Children with developmental delays, learning difficulties, or neurodevelopmental disorders may benefit from Functional Neurology approaches.

It can serve as an adjunct to traditional medical care, enhancing outcomes by addressing functional aspects of the nervous system that may not be targeted by conventional treatments.

Technological tools such as virtual reality, neurofeedback, and advanced diagnostic equipment are increasingly used to assess and enhance neurological function.

Ongoing research continues to refine assessment techniques, therapeutic interventions, and our understanding of neuroplasticity, contributing to the evolution of Functional Neurology practices.

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Doctor

Dr. Alireza Chizari

Dr. Alireza Chizari’s journey to becoming a distinguished leader in advanced neurological and chiropractic care is as inspiring as it is unique. Read More »