The Tinnitus Patient Management Program provides a comprehensive approach to treating tinnitus, a condition characterized by a ringing, buzzing or humming in the ears or head.
Tinnitus Patient Management Program
To make sure the appropriate diagnostic procedures are completed, we ask that you first see an otologist (ear specialist). If you need a referral to an otologist, please contact the UCSF Otology Clinic.
Because tinnitus may have a psychological impact, we also recommend a consultation with a behavioral health specialist. The behavioral health specialists we usually work with are Linda Centore (415-502-6301) and Jennifer Gans (415-244-7711).
To help determine if your tinnitus is related to a treatable or systemic condition, consider undergoing a physical examination, including laboratory tests to identify vascular, renal and autoimmune disorders as well as radiologic studies to identify any possible benign growths.
To begin the appointment process, complete the tinnitus new patient form and fax or mail it to the Audiology Clinic, along with any audiological records you may have. After receiving your completed forms, we will review them and contact you to schedule an appointment. If you haven't had an audiological evaluation in the past six months, be sure to notify the receptionist when making your appointment so enough time can be scheduled to include one.
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Your Appointment
At your appointment, we'll brief you on the latest information about tinnitus, including treatment and management procedures, and potential advantages and limitations.
These management procedures are not intended to cure tinnitus but rather to help you cope with the condition and develop strategies to best adapt. The success of any management plan depends on your active participation.
Health Insurance
Insurance does not cover the cost of tinnitus counseling and management, but may cover associated tests, such as hearing tests and tinnitus matching. The fee for the initial session is about $300. Follow-up counseling ranges from $100 to $200 per visit.
Please obtain written authorization from your insurance company for any recommended test procedures listed below. If your insurance company does not cover any or all of these procedures, or if you have not obtained pre-authorization for each procedure, you will be expected 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 CPT codes listed below are testing codes, not part of tinnitus counseling, that might require authorization.
Tinnitus Matching (92625)
This test matches the loudness and pitch of the tinnitus to externally generated stimuli.
Otoacoustic Emissions-Limited (92587)
These tests assess cochlear outer hair-cell function to assist in identifying location of auditory pathology.
If you have not had a hearing test in the past six months, you may need authorization for the following tests, which would be 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 aids and hearing aid exams are not covered by Medicare and generally not covered by insurance. Hearing aids must be paid for on receipt. If you have insurance coverage for hearing aids, our financial counselor will be happy to assist you in determining your benefits. Earmolds and electronic sound-generator devices will not be billed to insurance and must be paid for at the time of service.
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.
Management Approaches
Tinnitus is a perception of sound often described as a ringing, buzzing or humming in the ear or head. Usually, though not always, it is accompanied by hearing loss. This symptom affects millions of people. For some, it can be associated with depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance and interference with concentration.
There are many causes for this symptom, including noise exposure; physical injury, such as head trauma or whiplash; ear diseases; muscle spasms; circulatory changes; side effects from medication; nerve pathway irritation; central auditory system changes; and the aging process. Medical assessment is essential to determine potential causes and treatments.
Approaches to manage this condition include:
- Alternative treatments
- Amplification
- Biofeedback training
- Brief psychotherapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dietary management
- Education
- Habituation techniques, with or without sound generators
- Masking
- Medicine
- Neuromonics acoustic desensitization protocol
- Otologic consultation
- Pharmacologic consultation
- Physical therapy
- Preventive care counseling
- Psychological counseling
- Stress reduction/management
- Support group networks
- Surgery
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) assessment
- Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT)
