The Hyperacusis Patient Management Program is a service of the UCSF Audiology Clinic that provides customize treatment plans to meet the individual needs of patients with hyperacusis, a condition characterized by an increased sensitivity to everyday sounds.
Hyperacusis Patient Management Program
To ensure that appropriate diagnostic procedures are completed, we ask that you see an otologist or an ear specialist. If you need a referral to an otologist, please contact the UCSF Otology Clinic.
We also recommend a consultation with a behavioral health specialist because hyperacusis may have a psychological impact. The behavioral health specialist we commonly work with is Linda Centore, who can be reached at (415) 502-6301.
To determine if your hyperacusis is related to a treatable or a systemic condition, we recommend a physical examination including laboratory tests to identify vascular, renal and autoimmune disorders as well as radiologic studies designed to identify benign growths.
If you have not had an audiological evaluation in the past six months, please notify the receptionist when making your appointment so sufficient time can be scheduled to include this during your appointment here.
Please complete the hyperacusis new patient form and fax or mail it to the Audiology Clinic, along with any audiological records you may have. Once we receive your completed form, it will be reviewed and you will be contacted to schedule an appointment.
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Your Appointment
At your appointment, you will be briefed about hyperacusis as well as its treatment and management, including potential advantages and limitations. The success of your management plan depends on your active participation.
Please be aware that insurance does not cover the cost of hyperacusis counseling and management, but may cover tests associated with counseling such as hearing tests and otoacoustic emissions. The fee for the initial session is about $300. Follow-up counseling ranges from $100 to $200 per visit.
Diagnostic Tests
Please obtain written authorization from your insurance company for any recommended test procedures listed below. If your insurance company does not cover these procedures, or if you have not obtained pre-authorization for each procedure, you will be asked to pay in full at the time of your appointment. These fees do not cover the cost of hearing aids and electronic sound-generating devices.
"Current procedural terminology" (CPT) codes may be required for your insurance authorization for tests performed. The tests — and their CPT codes — , that may be performed during your first visit include:
Otoacoustic Emissions-Limited (92587)
These tests assess cochlear outer hair-cell function to assist in identifying location of auditory pathology.
Tinnitus Matching (92625)
This test matches the loudness and pitch of tinnitus (if it exists) to externally generated stimuli.
In addition, if you have not had a hearing test within the past six months, you may need insurance authorization for the following tests, conducted on an "as needed" basis:
Comprehensive Audiological Evaluation (92557)
This extensive audiological testing assesses hearing sensitivity and provides a basis for hyperacusis measurements and management.
Tympanometry (92567)
This test measures the pressure-compliance function of the middle-ear system to assist in ruling out middle-ear pathology.
Acoustic Reflex Thresholds (92568)
This test measures the contraction of the stapedius muscle in response to sound. It is used as part of the battery to rule out middle ear and auditory nerve dysfunction.
Hearing Devices and Exams
Earmolds and electronic sound-generator devices will not be billed to insurance and must be paid for at the time of service. Hearing aids and hearing aid exams, if indicated, are not covered by Medicare and generally not covered by insurance. Hearing aids must be paid for upon receipt. If you have insurance coverage for hearing aids, our financial counselor will be happy to assist you in determining your benefits.
Please inform the receptionist if you are involved in any legal action. We may not be able to accept you as a patient in these cases.
