Overview
Cleveland Clinic's Tinnitus Management Clinic (TMC) provides a comprehensive approach to the evaluation and management of patients with tinnitus through a multidisciplinary team focused on patient care, education and research. For more than 12 million people, tinnitus – a ringing, buzzing, whistling, hissing or rushing sound in the ears and/or head – is so severe that it interferes with daily activities, including conversation, work or sleep. While there is no evidence-based cure for tinnitus, there are options for managing tinnitus symptoms. Most of our patients benefit from one or a combination of management options.
Note: Due to licensure restrictions, the virtual group educational session is only available to patients residing in and present in the state of Ohio at the time of the virtual appointment.
TMC Course of Evaluation and Treatment
Step One: Obtain an Audiological Evaluation (Hearing Test)
Tinnitus can be caused by or related to multiple sources or disorders; however, the most common cause of tinnitus is hearing loss. Therefore, to better understand what sources might be contributing to your tinnitus, a comprehensive audiogram must be completed to be eligible to participate in TMC. For patients with both hearing loss and tinnitus, treatment of the hearing loss is an essential aspect of tinnitus management. The hearing test must be current (completed within the last 6 months prior to participating in TMC).
Step Two: Obtain Medical Clearance from an Otolaryngologist
Because tinnitus can be associated with ear disease, it is imperative that you obtain medical clearance from an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat physician) to rule out any health-related conditions that could be the cause of your tinnitus or could be treated through medical and/or surgical intervention. You cannot participate in TMC without written medical clearance from an otolaryngologist.
Step Three: Schedule Your Virtual Appointment and Complete Your Screening Questionnaires
Once you have completed the above steps, you may schedule your appointment for the virtual group education session by calling the audiology administrative assistant at 216.444.5370 (option #4). You will be directed to complete a series of screening questionnaires to help us better understanding your tinnitus concerns.
Step Four: Virtual Group Educational Session
You will participate in a virtual group educational session with a group of patients experiencing tinnitus. This virtual appointment will last approximately 90-120 minutes and will be led by an audiologist specializing in tinnitus management. You will learn about the prevalence of tinnitus, potential causes of tinnitus, anatomy and physiology of the head and neck as it relates to tinnitus and a variety of management options. Segments of the presentation will cover the role of audiology, dentistry, neurology, psychology, and physical therapy in tinnitus management.
Step Five: Individual Tinnitus Evaluations with TMC Specialists
Following your virtual group education, you will be provided with the contact information to schedule individual in-person appointments with one or multiple of the TMC specialists, depending on your individual needs. During those visits a comprehensive evaluation will be conducted and a management plan designed.
Cost of Treatment
The Virtual Group Educational Session is not covered by health insurance. The cost is $200 and must be paid prior to the virtual visit. Subsequent follow-up visits may be covered. Check with your health insurance provider.
