Ringing in Your Ears with No Hearing Loss? Next Steps in Arlington, TX
Ringing in Your Ears with No Hearing Loss? Next Steps in Arlington, TX
If you’ve been noticing a ringing or buzzing sound in your ears that comes and goes, but your hearing seems fine, you’re not alone—and it’s completely understandable that this can be frustrating and sometimes disrupt your sleep. Tinnitus without hearing loss is a common complaint that can have many causes, and knowing the right next steps can help you gain control and peace of mind.
This post is designed to guide you through the practical steps you can take in Arlington, TX: who to see for evaluation, what tests or visits might involve, and what you can expect to pay if you’re paying out of pocket. You’re in the right place to get clear, helpful information to start addressing your concerns.
Who to See for Your Symptoms in Arlington, TX
With symptoms like tinnitus but no hearing loss, several types of healthcare providers may be a good place to start:
- Family Practice Doctor: A generalist who can evaluate many health concerns, including ear and neurological symptoms. They can do initial testing and refer you to specialists if needed.
- Otolaryngologist (ENT Specialist): A doctor specialized in ear, nose, and throat conditions. They are experienced in diagnosing and treating tinnitus and related ear problems.
- Internal Medicine Doctor: Typically focused on adults, they can evaluate your overall health and perform procedures like earwax removal if needed.
- Neurologist: A specialist for nervous system issues, which can include causes of tinnitus related to nerves or brain health.
- Audiologist: A health professional who specializes in hearing tests and evaluations specifically related to tinnitus and hearing function.
Each of these provider types can play an important role depending on your symptoms and health history.
What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs
Here is a breakdown of common procedures related to tinnitus without hearing loss you might encounter with each provider type and what you can expect to pay out of pocket in Arlington, TX.
Visit with a Family Practice Doctor
- Procedure: Comprehensive hearing and speech recognition test (CPT Code: 92557)
Purpose: This test checks how well your ears and brain understand sounds, to rule out hearing loss or speech recognition problems.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $49.98 (typically ranges from $37.49 to $62.48)
This estimate is based on 1 provider in the Arlington area.
Visit with an Otolaryngologist (ENT)
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Procedure: Evaluation of hearing ringing in ear (CPT Code: 92625)
Purpose: An in-depth assessment to understand the characteristics of your tinnitus and check for underlying ear conditions.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $104.26 (typically ranges from $78.19 to $130.32)
This estimate is based on 1 provider in Arlington. -
Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 20-29 minutes (CPT Code: 99213)
Purpose: A follow-up or consultation visit to discuss your symptoms and next steps.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $140.11 (typically ranges from $105.08 to $175.14)
This estimate is based on 65 providers in Arlington.
Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor
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Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: A longer visit to evaluate your health and discuss your tinnitus symptoms in detail.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $191.87 (typically ranges from $143.90 to $239.84)
This estimate is based on 364 providers in Arlington. -
Procedure: Removal of impacted ear wax (CPT Code: 69210)
Purpose: If earwax buildup is causing or worsening ringing, removing it may improve symptoms.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $76.46 (typically ranges from $55.25 to $97.68)
This estimate is based on 8 providers in Arlington.
Visit with a Neurologist
- Procedure: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
Purpose: Specialized evaluation to rule out nerve-related causes of your tinnitus.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $192.48 (typically ranges from $144.36 to $240.60)
This estimate is based on 104 providers in Arlington.
Visit with an Audiologist
- Procedure: Evaluation of hearing ringing in ear (CPT Code: 92625)
Purpose: Hearing evaluation focused on quantifying and characterizing tinnitus.
Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $109.50 (typically ranges from $82.13 to $136.88)
This estimate is based on 1 provider in Arlington.
How to Interpret the Cost Estimates
The cost estimates provided here give a helpful range for what you might pay out of pocket when you see these providers. Think of healthcare pricing a bit like going to a market where prices can depend on negotiation and who you buy from.
- The maximum cost listed is close to what providers typically ask for initially (the “charged amount”).
- The minimum cost is near the “medicare allowed amount,” which is often what Medicare negotiates to pay. Doctors may only break even or even lose money at these lower rates.
Understanding this range can help you shop around and ask informed questions about pricing before scheduling your visit.
Know Your Rights
When seeking care, you have important protections and rights to help you avoid surprise costs:
- Good Faith Estimate (GFE): If you plan to self-pay without insurance, your healthcare provider is legally required to give you an estimate of expected charges if you request it or schedule services at least 3 business days ahead. This helps you prepare financially.
- Many providers offer self-pay discounts if you ask upfront—never hesitate to inquire: “What is the cash price if I pay upfront?”
- You have the right to request a detailed, itemized bill showing exactly what you’re being charged for. If something looks incorrect or unreasonable, you can dispute it.
- You can also ask for CPT codes and billing details to better understand charges. Some states have protections against excessive or “unconscionable” billing, especially for uninsured patients.
Your Recommended Next Steps
If you’re experiencing tinnitus with no hearing loss in Arlington, here’s how you can take charge of your healthcare:
- Schedule an Appointment: Contact one of the provider types listed above—starting with a Family Practice doctor or Otolaryngologist is often a good choice.
- Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, how long you’ve had them, any factors that worsen or improve the ringing, and questions you want to ask.
- Discuss Costs: When booking, ask about expected costs and whether they provide Good Faith Estimates or self-pay discounts.
- Seek Professional Advice: Remember that professional evaluation is vital to rule out underlying causes and get the right treatment or reassurance.
You’re taking the right step by learning about your options—and getting professional care can make a big difference to your comfort 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 intended for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Prices are estimates and may vary by provider and individual circumstances.