Tinnitus with No Hearing Loss? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Dallas, TX
Tinnitus with No Hearing Loss? Your Next Healthcare Steps in Dallas, TX
If you’ve been noticing a ringing in your ears that comes and goes, but without any hearing loss, you are not alone — and it’s understandable that this would be annoying and sometimes even disrupt your sleep. This symptom, known as tinnitus, can be bothersome even when your hearing seems normal. You’re here because you want to understand what to do next, who to see, and what the costs might be like in your area. You’re in the right place to get clear, practical guidance tailored for Dallas, TX.
Who to See for Your Symptoms in Dallas, TX
Based on your experience of ringing in the ears without hearing loss, a few types of healthcare providers might be good starting points to help identify the cause and work toward relief:
- Family Practice Doctors: Generalist doctors who can diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, including ear problems. They are a great first step to rule out common causes like impacted ear wax or infections.
- Audiologists: Specialists in hearing and balance disorders. They can evaluate your ear function and specifically assess the ringing (tinnitus) you’re experiencing.
- Otolaryngologists (ENTs): Ear, nose, and throat specialists who handle more complex ear conditions, including tinnitus. They can provide comprehensive examinations and advanced testing.
- Neurologists: Doctors specializing in the nervous system. They may be involved if your tinnitus might have neurological causes or if balance and brain activity assessments are needed.
- Internal Medicine Doctors: Similar to family practice but often focusing on adults, they can provide hearing assessments and balance tests related to your symptoms.
What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs
Here’s what you can generally expect from your first visits, including common procedures and self-pay cost estimates you might encounter in Dallas.
Visit with a Family Practice Doctor
- Procedure: Removal of impacted ear wax (CPT Code: 69210)
Purpose: An easy first step if your tinnitus could be caused by ear wax buildup blocking natural ear function. Removing the wax might reduce or eliminate the ringing.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $76.86 (typically ranges from $52.63 to $101.10)
This estimate is based on 6 providers in the Dallas area.
Visit with an Audiologist
- Procedure: Evaluation of hearing ringing in ear (CPT Code: 92625)
Purpose: A thorough hearing test focused on understanding the characteristics and causes of your tinnitus, even without hearing loss. This helps identify if the ringing is related to subtle hearing issues or other factors.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $109.50 (typically ranges from $82.13 to $136.88)
This estimate is based on 1 provider in Dallas.
Visit with an Otolaryngology Specialist
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Procedure: Established patient office or outpatient visit, 20-29 minutes (CPT Code: 99213)
Purpose: A focused visit for evaluation and discussion about your tinnitus symptoms by an ear specialist.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $139.78 (typically ranges from $104.83 to $174.72)
This estimate is based on 80 providers in Dallas. -
Procedure: Evaluation of hearing ringing in ear (CPT Code: 92625)
Purpose: Same as audiologist, but performed by an ENT for a more specialized diagnostic approach.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $124.26 (typically ranges from $82.13 to $166.40)
This estimate is based on 1 provider in Dallas. -
Procedure: Comprehensive hearing and speech recognition test (CPT Code: 92557)
Purpose: Detailed hearing assessment that checks for subtle problems in hearing and speech understanding that might relate to tinnitus.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $60.91 (typically ranges from $43.87 to $77.95)
This estimate is based on 32 providers in Dallas.
Visit with a Neurologist
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Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: If your tinnitus might be linked to neurological issues, this longer visit allows in-depth evaluation by a neurologist.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $192.50 (typically ranges from $144.37 to $240.62)
This estimate is based on 113 providers in Dallas. -
Procedure: Measurement of brain wave activity (EEG), awake and drowsy (CPT Code: 95816)
Purpose: Specialized test to check brain activity that might help explain complex causes of tinnitus.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $492.18 (typically ranges from $222.24 to $762.13)
This estimate is based on 40 providers in Dallas. -
Procedure: Evaluation and testing for balance with recording (CPT Code: 92540)
Purpose: Tests to evaluate balance function if you have dizziness or related symptoms along with your tinnitus.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $945.63 (varies widely between $131.26 and $1760.00)
This estimate is based on 1 provider in Dallas.
Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor
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Procedure: Test for hearing various pitches using earphone (CPT Code: 92552)
Purpose: Basic hearing test to detect pitch-specific hearing issues that could relate to tinnitus.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $54.51 (ranges from $40.88 to $68.14)
This estimate is based on 3 providers in Dallas. -
Procedure: Test to assess balance during warm and cool irrigation in both ears (CPT Code: 92537)
Purpose: Balance test to help diagnose inner ear disorders contributing to your symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $64.78 (ranges from $48.59 to $80.98)
This estimate is based on 1 provider in Dallas. -
Additional balance-related tests are available with higher costs depending on complexity.
How to Interpret the Cost Estimates
Think of healthcare pricing like negotiating in a marketplace where prices vary depending on who’s selling and who’s buying:
- The maximum cost shown is usually close to what doctors list as their “charged amount” — this is the sticker price they hope to collect.
- The minimum cost is often just above what Medicare has negotiated to pay providers and reflects a price where doctors might break even or even lose money on the procedure.
This wide range happens because prices aren’t fixed and can differ based on insurance, discounts, or self-pay arrangements.
Know Your Rights
If you’re paying out-of-pocket or not using insurance, the Good Faith Estimate (GFE) law protects you:
- Doctors must give you an estimate of expected charges if you ask 3 business days before your appointment or when scheduling.
- Many providers also offer self-pay discounts if you ask upfront — don’t hesitate to say: “What’s the cash price if I pay upfront?”
You have the right to:
- Request an itemized bill.
- Dispute charges that seem incorrect, duplicated, or unfair.
- Ask for CPT codes and billing details.
- Benefit from state protections against unreasonable billing, especially if uninsured.
Your Recommended Next Steps
Taking action is the best way to address your troubling symptoms:
- Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice doctor, an Audiologist, or an Otolaryngologist in Dallas. They are good starting points to evaluate your tinnitus without hearing loss.
- Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptom history, how often the ringing occurs, if anything triggers it, and any other questions you have.
- Discuss Costs: Confirm pricing ahead with the provider’s office since prices can vary. Ask for a Good Faith Estimate to avoid surprises.
- Stay Reassured: Many people manage tinnitus successfully with the right care. Seeking professional advice is the smart step for your health and peace of mind.
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 information is for educational purposes and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for personal diagnosis and treatment.