Tinnitus Treatment Program at UPMC's Center for Audiology

People with tinnitus (noise in the ears) and decreased sound tolerance have access to an innovative treatment program at the UPMC Center for Audiology and Hearing Aids.

Our goal is to evaluate, diagnose, and treat tinnitus and decreased sound tolerance so effectively that it will no longer be a problem.

Our Tinnitus Treatment Team

Our center employs a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosing and treating tinnitus and decreased sound tolerance.

Our team consists of:

• Four otolaryngologists
• Two audiologists
• Vestibular (balance) technologists
• Nursing staff
• Administrative personnel

The members of the team work closely together to ensure the best treatment program and the highest standard of care.

What to Expect: Tinnitus Treatment Process

The first step to treatment is a medical and audiological evaluation.

During the medical evaluation process, your doctor will:

• Complete a general physical exam
• Perform an ear, nose, and throat exam
• Review your medical history

The audiologist will perform an array of tests that will provide information about your tinnitus, hearing, and decreased sound tolerance.

Some of these tests are specific to your individual tinnitus and are not normally performed in other clinics.

Testing may include:

• Brainstem auditory evoked response testing
• Vestibular (balance) testing
• CT or MRI scan

The doctor and audiologist will discuss these results and formulate a treatment plan designed specifically for your hearing condition.

Counseling and Treatment Plans for Tinnitus and Decreased Sound Tolerance

After your evaluation at UPMC's Center for Audiology and Hearing Aids, the next step is a counseling session.

During your counseling session, we will:

• Address concerns and questions about your diagnosis of tinnitus or decreased sound tolerance.
• Discuss the causes of tinnitus and decreased sound tolerance.
• Provide information about your specific condition and propose a treatment plan.

Typically, treatment plans involve the use of low level sounds provided by noise generating devices, hearing aids, or environmental sounds.

Your doctor or a member of your care team will fully explain your treatment plan during your counseling session.

Follow-up Care for Tinnitus and Decreased Sound Tolerance

Continuity of care is essential for achieving our goal.

After your initial visit to the Center for Audiology and Hearing Aids, we will schedule follow-up appointments at three and six months. Visits six months and after will involve some testing and further counseling.

Tinnitus and decreased sound tolerance treatment generally takes between 12 and 18 months, however we will continue scheduling follow-up visits as long as necessary.