Find answers to frequently asked questions about tinnitus.

How do I know if I should receive a tinnitus evaluation?

Patients who are experiencing distress, anxiety, or depression related to tinnitus should receive a tinnitus evaluation.

Take the Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire on the Wall Street Journal Web site to determine if tinnitus is negatively impacting your quality of life. A score of 17 or greater indicates you may benefit from a tinnitus evaluation.

How is tinnitus measured?

Objective measures involving auditory matching of the tinnitus pitch and loudness will be performed. Masking techniques (i.e., attempting to cover your tinnitus with other sounds) will be used to determine if sound therapy is an option for reducing tinnitus awareness and disturbance.

How do I know if sound therapy treatment is right for me?

The only way to determine if sound therapy is an option is to have a tinnitus assessment performed. No treatment recommendations can be given over the phone.

A tinnitus evaluation allows for the testing and education necessary to best manage your needs.

During this 90 minute appointment, objective measures (measuring your tinnitus pitch and loudness or attempting to cover your tinnitus with other noise) and subjective measures (questionnaire and intake form) will be taken.

Based on those results and your individual needs, treatment recommendations will be made.

Sound therapy is not an option for everyone. Other options that address the non-auditory symptoms such as depression and anxiety will be given as needed.

These therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy or more holistic services offered by the Duke Center for Integrative Medicine.

What is Neuromonics?

Neuromonics is a form of sound therapy. Neuromonics, Inc., is a medical device developer of products and services that treat tinnitus.

The company manufactures and distributes the Oasis, the only FDA-cleared, patented, clinically proven medical device for tinnitus that offers documented long-term medical benefit.

The accompanying Neuromonics tinnitus treatment (NTT) protocol addresses the neurological processes of tinnitus through spectrally modified music.

Customized for each patient’s audiological profile, the NTT is delivered through the compact Oasis device, which functions much like familiar consumer music players.

Fourteen studies on the NTT confirm clinically significant reduction in tinnitus disturbance. The company has provided effective relief for tinnitus sufferers globally since 2001.

To learn more about this specific treatment option, please visit the Neuromonics Web site.

Does insurance cover the tinnitus evaluation and treatment?

The comprehensive hearing test and tinnitus evaluation will be billed to your insurance company. To determine if your insurance company covers this type of evaluation or treatment, you would need to contact them directly.

How much does tinnitus treatment cost?

At the end of your evaluation, appropriate recommendations will be made. Pricing for treatment options will vary based on the results of your tinnitus assessment and will be discussed during your appointment.

What do I do if my tinnitus is causing me to think about suicide?

If you are having suicidal thoughts that you would act on, please call 911 or report to your local Emergency Department immediately.