Understanding Tinnitus with No Hearing Loss: Next Steps in Los Angeles, CA

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Feeling Ringing in Your Ears but No Hearing Loss? A Guide to Your Next Healthcare Steps in Los Angeles, CA

If you’ve been experiencing ringing in your ears for a few months—sometimes coming and going—and it’s making it difficult to sleep, you’re certainly not alone. Even without hearing loss, that persistent ringing, known as tinnitus, can be both frustrating and worrisome. You’re right to seek more information about it.

This post is here to guide you through understanding what kind of healthcare providers you might want to see in Los Angeles, CA, what procedures they might perform, and an overview of the costs you could expect if you are paying out of pocket. You’re in the right place to find clear, useful information that can help you take your next step toward relief and care.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Los Angeles, CA

Based on your symptoms of tinnitus without hearing loss, a few types of healthcare professionals could be suitable starting points. Here’s a quick look at who they are and how they can help:

  • Audiologist: A specialist who evaluates and treats hearing and balance disorders. They can conduct tests specifically for ringing in your ears to understand its characteristics.
  • Internal Medicine Doctor: A generalist who can conduct hearing tests and evaluate your overall health, possibly identifying underlying causes that could contribute to tinnitus.
  • Otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist): A medical doctor specializing in ear and hearing conditions. They can diagnose and treat ear-related issues and may offer medical or surgical options if needed.
  • Neurologist: A doctor focusing on the brain and nervous system. They might be involved if your tinnitus could be related to neurological or balance issues.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Visit with an Audiologist

  • Procedure: Evaluation of hearing ringing in ear (CPT Code: 92625)
  • Purpose: An audiologist will examine your ears and hearing function, focusing on the ringing. This helps to understand the nature and possible causes of your tinnitus.
  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Los Angeles, CA: $117.70 (typically ranges from $88.27 to $147.12)
  • Provider Availability: This estimate is based on 5 providers in the Los Angeles area.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Test for hearing various pitches using earphone (CPT Code: 92552)
  • Purpose: This test measures how well you hear different sounds, helping to confirm that hearing loss is not present and ruling out certain causes of tinnitus.
  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Los Angeles, CA: $76.41 (typically ranges from $49.68 to $103.14)
  • Provider Availability: This estimate is based on 4 providers in the Los Angeles area.

Visit with an Otolaryngologist (ENT Specialist)

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 20-29 minutes (CPT Code: 99213)

  • Purpose: A focused office visit to review your symptoms, perform a physical exam, and discuss your ringing ears.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Los Angeles, CA: $155.81 (typically ranges from $111.59 to $200.02)

  • Provider Availability: This estimate is based on 157 providers in the Los Angeles area.

  • Procedure: Evaluation of hearing ringing in ear (CPT Code: 92625)

  • Purpose: Specialized evaluation similar to an audiologist’s, but done by an ENT doctor who can also offer medical treatments if necessary.

  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Los Angeles, CA: $124.56 (typically ranges from $89.11 to $160.00)

  • Provider Availability: This estimate is based on 1 provider in the Los Angeles area.

Visit with a Neurologist

  • Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
  • Purpose: A detailed office visit for neurological assessment, which might be necessary if there are concerns about nerve-related causes of your tinnitus.
  • Estimated Self-Pay Cost in Los Angeles, CA: $238.58 (typically ranges from $152.92 to $324.24)
  • Provider Availability: This estimate is based on 255 providers in the Los Angeles area.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Healthcare pricing in the U.S. can sometimes feel like you’re negotiating in a marketplace — prices for the same procedure can vary widely depending on where you go and who you see.

  • The maximum cost listed is generally just below the full “charged amount,” or what a provider might initially ask for the procedure before any discounts or negotiations.
  • The minimum cost usually aligns a bit above the “Medicare allowed amount,” which is what Medicare has agreed to pay providers for that procedure — often meaning the provider barely breaks even at that rate.

These estimates give you a ballpark so you can plan ahead and avoid surprises, but prices can shift based on your provider and other factors.

Know Your Rights

Good Faith Estimate (GFE): If you don’t use insurance and plan to pay out of pocket, your doctor must provide a GFE if you ask for one or schedule services at least 3 business days in advance. This legally required document shows what you can expect to be charged.

Many providers offer self-pay discounts if you ask upfront. Don’t be shy—ask:

“What’s the cash price if I pay upfront?”

You also have the right to request a detailed, itemized bill and dispute any charges that don’t look right. Providers must give you CPT codes and billing modifiers upon request. Some states have protections against unfair billing practices, especially for uninsured patients.

Taking action now can help you get answers and relief. Here’s what to do next:

  • Schedule an Appointment: Contact an Audiologist, Internal Medicine doctor, Otolaryngologist, or Neurologist in Los Angeles based on your preference or referral.
  • Prepare for Your Visit: Write down details about your symptoms, including how long the ringing has been occurring and any factors that influence it. Prepare questions to ask your provider.
  • Discuss Costs Ahead of Time: When booking your appointment, ask about the expected cost and if they provide a Good Faith Estimate. This helps avoid surprises.
  • Remember: Seeking professional evaluation is the right move toward understanding and managing your tinnitus. You are doing the best thing for your health by reaching out.

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 provides general information tailored to Los Angeles, CA, and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized care.