Tinnitus with No Hearing Loss? Next Steps for Care in Long Beach, CA

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Tinnitus with No Hearing Loss? Next Steps for Care in Long Beach, CA

If you’ve been experiencing a ringing in your ears that comes and goes for a few months, but you don’t notice any hearing loss, you’re not alone — and your concern is completely valid. That persistent or intermittent ear ringing, known as tinnitus, can be annoying and even impact your sleep. You’re likely searching for next steps to understand your symptoms and find the right care without unnecessary delays or confusion.

This guide is here to help you navigate what to expect, who you should see in Long Beach, CA, and what the initial costs might look like. You’re in the right place to get clear, straightforward information to move forward confidently.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Long Beach, CA

Based on your symptoms—ringing in the ears without hearing loss—there are several types of healthcare providers who could be good starting points to diagnose and manage your condition:

  • Audiologist: A hearing specialist focused on diagnosing and treating issues related to hearing and balance, including tinnitus.
  • Family Practice Doctor: A generalist doctor who can evaluate a broad range of symptoms, order initial tests, and refer you to specialists if needed.
  • Otolaryngologist (ENT - Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor): A specialist physician who manages ear-related disorders and can provide more advanced diagnosis and treatment.
  • Neurologist: A doctor specializing in nervous system issues, who can perform specialized tests if neurological causes are suspected.
  • Internal Medicine Doctor: A specialist in adult medicine who can perform hearing and balance tests and manage related health conditions.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Visit with an Audiologist

  • Procedure: Evaluation of hearing ringing in ear (CPT Code: 92625)
    Purpose: This exam focuses on understanding your tinnitus by analyzing the sounds you hear and their impact.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $400.58 (typically ranges from $89.16 to $712.00)
    Based on 1 provider in Long Beach.

  • Procedure: Comprehensive hearing test (CPT Code: 92570)
    Purpose: A detailed hearing check to verify hearing function and rule out hearing loss as a cause of ringing.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $56.21 (typically ranges from $42.16 to $70.26)
    Based on 3 providers in the area.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Test for hearing various pitches using earphone (CPT Code: 92552)
    Purpose: A basic hearing test to identify if any pitch-specific hearing loss is present.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $64.85 (typically ranges from $48.64 to $81.06)
    Based on 5 providers.

  • Procedure: Test for balance and posture (CPT Code: 92548)
    Purpose: Checks if your balance is affected, which can sometimes relate to ear issues causing tinnitus.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $83.39 (typically ranges from $62.54 to $104.24)
    Based on 1 provider.

  • Procedure: Test for hearing various pitches using earphone and bone device (CPT Code: 92553)
    Purpose: More thorough hearing evaluation that tests sound conduction through both air and bone.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $80.37 (typically ranges from $60.28 to $100.46)
    Based on 1 provider.

  • Procedure: Assessment of emotional or behavioral problems (CPT Code: 96127)
    Purpose: Checks if emotional or behavioral factors might be contributing to your symptoms or overall health.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $20.83 (typically ranges from $6.37 to $35.29)
    Based on 5 providers.

Visit with an Otolaryngologist (ENT)

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: A thorough consultation with an ear specialist to diagnose and plan treatment for tinnitus.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $210.48 (typically ranges from $157.86 to $263.10)
    Based on 61 providers.

  • Procedure: Comprehensive hearing test (CPT Code: 92570)
    Purpose: Detailed evaluation of hearing to check for subtle changes or underlying issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $55.62 (typically ranges from $41.71 to $69.52)
    Based on 2 providers.

  • Procedure: Comprehensive hearing and speech recognition test (CPT Code: 92557)
    Purpose: Assesses both your hearing ability and how well you understand speech, crucial for full evaluation.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $81.37 (typically ranges from $48.07 to $114.66)
    Based on 26 providers.

  • Procedure: Test to assess defects in adaption to sounds (CPT Code: 92563)
    Purpose: Examines how well your brain adapts to sounds, which can be affected in tinnitus.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $62.35 (typically ranges from $46.76 to $77.94)
    Based on 1 provider.

Visit with a Neurologist

  • Procedure: Test to assess electrical potentials of inner ear (CPT Code: 92584)
    Purpose: A specialized test examining ear nerve electrical responses to sound stimulation.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $205.23 (typically ranges from $153.92 to $256.54)
    Based on 2 providers.

  • Procedure: Evaluation and testing for balance with recording (CPT Code: 92540)
    Purpose: Monitors your balance using advanced equipment to detect underlying neurological causes.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $192.50 (typically ranges from $144.37 to $240.62)
    Based on 2 providers.

  • Procedure: Test for abnormal eye movement using rotating chair (CPT Code: 92546)
    Purpose: Checks eye movement in response to rotation, helping diagnose balance-related disorders.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $236.70 (typically ranges from $177.53 to $295.88)
    Based on 2 providers.

  • Procedure: Use of electrodes during balance testing (CPT Code: 92547)
    Purpose: Additional monitoring during balance tests for more precise results.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $21.58 (typically ranges from $15.17 to $28.00)
    Based on 2 providers.

  • Procedure: Sleep study including heart rate and breathing (CPT Code: 95806)
    Purpose: Assesses sleep quality and identifies issues like sleep apnea which can worsen tinnitus.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $143.26 (typically ranges from $55.51 to $231.00)
    Based on 4 providers.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Placement of ear probe for computerized repeated sound measurement (CPT Code: 92588)
    Purpose: Measures ear responses to repeated sounds to identify subtle hearing problems.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $62.22 (typically ranges from $44.45 to $80.00)
    Based on 1 provider.

  • Procedure: Test for hearing various pitches using earphone (CPT Code: 92552)
    Purpose: Basic hearing test by tone detection to rule out hearing loss.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $64.90 (typically ranges from $48.67 to $81.12)
    Based on 1 provider.

  • Procedure: Test for balance and posture (CPT Code: 92548)
    Purpose: Assesses stability and balance function important in ear-related symptoms.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $83.39 (typically ranges from $62.54 to $104.24)
    Based on 1 provider.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

United States healthcare costs can often feel like a marketplace where negotiating prices is common. Think of it like shopping where the price tags vary a lot depending on where and how you buy.

  • The maximum cost in each range is often slightly less than what providers initially “charge” or ask for the procedure.
  • The minimum cost typically sits just above the “Medicare allowed amount,” which is what Medicare has negotiated as fair payment. At this price, providers usually break even or may make less than their ideal margin.

Prices can vary based on provider experience, location, and billing practices, so it’s a good idea to confirm costs before your visit.

Know Your Rights

  • Good Faith Estimate (GFE): If you are paying out of pocket without using health insurance, healthcare providers in Long Beach are legally required to provide you a Good Faith Estimate of expected charges if you ask for it or schedule services at least 3 business days ahead.
  • Many providers also offer self-pay discounts, especially if you ask before your visit—don’t hesitate to ask: “What’s the cash price if I pay upfront?”
  • You can request a detailed, itemized bill after your visit and dispute any charges that seem incorrect, duplicative, or unreasonable. You also have the right to ask for billing codes (CPT codes) and modifiers.
  • Many states have protections against unfair billing practices, especially for uninsured patients.

Now that you have a clearer idea about who to see, what tests you might get, and the estimated costs in Long Beach, CA, here’s what we recommend:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact one of the recommended provider types—starting with an Audiologist or your Family Practice doctor is often a good choice.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, including how long you’ve had the ringing, any triggers or changes, and any questions you want to ask.
  3. Discuss Costs: When scheduling, confirm estimated costs and ask if there are any payment options or discounts available.
  4. Stay Empowered: Remember, seeking advice is the right step for your health and wellbeing. You deserve clear information and compassionate care.

Need Help Navigating Your Options?

Finding affordable, trustworthy care can be confusing, especially if you’re uninsured or new to the system. That’s why we built Transparent Health: a tool to help you understand your options and find the right provider for your needs.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.