Tinnitus & Sound Sensitivity
Tinnitus care is a real focus for our practice, not a line item. That focus shows up in the time we spend on evaluation, the structured therapy we offer, and our ability to discuss advanced options like Lenire bimodal neuromodulation for patients who are appropriate candidates.
Below are the concrete, verifiable reasons Peninsula patients choose us for tinnitus, described without inflated statistics or manufactured awards.
At a glance
- Tinnitus is a genuine clinical focus here, with dedicated time for evaluation and planning.
- We offer Lenire for suitable candidates and verify hearing aids with real-ear measurement.
- We favor honest expectations and clear red-flag guidance over cure claims.
A dedicated tinnitus focus
We treat tinnitus as its own clinical area, with time set aside for the history-taking, sound description, and impact screening that generic appointments often skip. That depth is what lets us build a plan around your specific tinnitus rather than a template.
Thorough evaluation first
Every tinnitus plan starts with a full hearing evaluation and a review of contributing factors such as noise exposure, medications, and earwax. We also screen for the red flags that call for medical referral before management begins.
Lenire for suitable candidates
We offer Lenire, a bimodal neuromodulation device that pairs sound with gentle tongue stimulation and is FDA-cleared for tinnitus treatment. It is not right for everyone, and candidacy depends on evaluation, but having it available means more paths for people who need them.
Real-ear-verified amplification
When hearing aids are part of the plan, we verify the fit with real-ear measurement rather than trusting factory settings. Verified amplification tends to deliver more consistent tinnitus benefit because the device is actually meeting your prescription.
Honesty over hype
We will not promise a cure or push a product that does not fit your situation. If the most useful step is education, sound enrichment, and follow-up, we will say so, and we will explain when tinnitus warrants prompt medical attention.
What to expect
What a tinnitus appointment actually involves
- We take the history first15 min
When it started, whether it is one ear or both, what it sounds like, what makes it worse, and what it is stopping you doing. Sleep and concentration matter here as much as the sound itself.
- A full diagnostic hearing evaluation30 min
Air and bone thresholds, speech testing, and middle-ear measures. Most tinnitus sits on top of a hearing loss, and the shape of that loss changes what will help.
- Pitch and loudness matching, where it is useful10 min
We find the frequency and level your tinnitus most closely matches. It is not a severity score. It is a starting point for sound therapy and a way to track change.
- We go through what we found, the same visit20 min
What is causing it if we can tell, what it is not, and which of the options actually apply to you: amplification, sound therapy, tinnitus retraining, Lenire, or a referral.
- A plan you leave with
Written down, with the next appointment booked if you need one. Habituation is a course of care over months, not a device you are handed at the door.
A tinnitus evaluation is a diagnostic appointment, so it is billed to your medical insurance in the same way a hearing test is. We check your benefits before the visit and tell you what your plan covers.
Frequently asked questions
What patients often want to know
What makes your tinnitus care different?
A dedicated focus, a thorough evaluation before any recommendation, real-ear-verified hearing aids, and advanced options like Lenire for candidates who qualify. Just as important, we set honest expectations instead of promising a cure.
Is Lenire right for me?
It depends. Lenire is FDA-cleared for tinnitus and helps some patients, but suitability rests on your hearing history, tinnitus profile, and a clinical evaluation. We will tell you candidly whether it is a reasonable option for you.
Do I need a referral to be seen for tinnitus?
In most cases you can contact us directly to arrange a tinnitus evaluation. If we identify signs that call for medical assessment, we will guide you on the right next step. Call 650-342-9449 to get started.