Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, can be a debilitating problem. There is no known "cure" for tinnitus, but many patients find relief with trewatment.
Typical costs:
Patients who experience tinnitus should first visit a doctor. Typical office visit charges range from $50 to $300 for those without insurance. For those with insurance, copays for office visits range between $5 and $75, depending upon the insurance company.
Anti-anxiety medications, including Xanax[1] , have been prescribed to treat tinnitus symptoms. This medication ranges from $110 to $310 for a 30-day supply without insurance, depending upon the dosage prescribed. With insurance, typical copays can range from $5 to $50. Antidepressants, such as Zoloft[2] and Paxil[3] , have also been prescribed to treat tinnitus. These medications can range from $100 to $150 for a 30-day supply, depending upon the dosage prescribed.
Some patients have found relief using antihistamines, such as Benadryl[4] and Allegra[5] . Benadryl, which can be purchased over-the-counter, costs about $7 to $12 for 48- to 100-count packages . Allegra, a prescription medication, costs between $45 and $80 for a 30-day supply, depending up on the dosage.
Gingko biloba[6] , one of the recommended alternative treatments, costs between $8.50 and $12 for 240 tablets, depending upon the location. B Complex Vitamins, one of the other recommended treatment options, cost between $7.99 and $10.99 for 100 tablets. Dosage of these dietary supplements can depend upon age, weight, gender and symptom relief.
Acupuncture has been shown to relieve symptoms for some patients. Acupuncture costs between $75 and $95 for an initial visit and between $50 and $70 for follow-up visits. See How Much Does Acupuncture Cost.
Hypnosis is another alternative option for patients. This therapy costs between $75 and $250 for a 30- to 60-minute session.
Patient visiting a doctor should expect the physician to ask question regarding the tinnitus symptoms, including when it began. The doctor will likely examine the ears. If a problem is suspected, more tests will be ordered and the patient may be referred to a specialist.
Prescription medications for tinnitus will include the medication, packaging and drug information.
Dietary supplements, such as gingko biloba, will include the supplement, packaging and information about dosages.
Acupuncture includes time spent with an acupuncture specialist, space, use of treatment table and the thin needles that are inserted into the skin. In addition, the acupuncturist may also massage the patient, play music or use aromatherapy.
Additional costs:
A specialist may recommend unique treatments for patients with particularly bothersome tinnitus, including a cochlear implant. A cochlear implant can cost between $25,000 and $150,000. See How Much Does A Cochlear Implant Cost.
In rare cases a hearing aid may help relieve tinnitus symptoms. Hearing aids cost between $100 and $6,000. See How Much Do Hearing Aids Cost.
Shopping for tinnitus treatment:
Before seeking alternative treatment options for tinnitus, begin with a primary care doctor's visit. Sometimes the cause of tinnitus is easily determined and managed.
Seek out a tinnitus specialist[7] if the tinnitus continues over several weeks and does not diminish.
Doctors and specialists should be aware of every treatment patients try, including alternative therapists and over-the-counter medications. These drugs can cause allergic reactions and drug interactions.
The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine[8] recommends that patients only work with certified practitioners. The organization maintains a searchable database[9] of practitioners.
Doctors recommend that patients only seek out hypnotherapy if no other medical reason for tinnitus can be found. The National Board of Certified Clinic Hypnotherapists maintains a searchable database[10] of hypnotherapists.
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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