1)  What's wrong with me?

​

Tinnitus - often described as ringing, buzzing, hissing, or humming in the ears - is the perception of sound that isn't coming from an external source.  It's a real and often distressing condition that can interfere with sleep, concentration, and peace of mind.

​

Tinnitus is not a disease itself, but a symptom of an underlying issue such as hearing loss, noise exposure damage, ear or jaw problems, medication effects, or changes in how the brain processes sound.  The good new si sthat it can be evaluated, understood, and managed effectively.

​

2)  Can you help me?

​

Yes!  Audiology Center of Maine has helped hundreds of people find relief from tinnitus.  Our Doctors specialize in advanced tinnitus treatment.  We use diagnostic testing to identify possible causes and create an individualized plan that targets both the sound you hear and the emotional or physical response it creates.

​

You can trust that we'll listen, explain clearly what's happening, and work with you to reduce the impact tinnitus has on your life.

​

3)  What needs to be done?

​

Your first step is a Comprehensive Tinnitus Evaluation, which includes:

• A detailed review of your symptoms and medical history

• Hearing and middle ear testing

• Tinnitus pitch and loudness matching

• Assessment of how tinnitus affects sleep, focus, and stress

​

From there, we'll design a personalized management plan.  This may include sound therapy, counseling strategies, relaxation or mindfulness tools, and - if hearing loss is present - hearing devices with built-in tinnitus relief features.

​

Most patients benefit from regular follow-up visits to fine tune their program and track progress.

​

4)  How long will it take?

​

The initial tinnitus evaluation typically takes 60-90 minutes.

​

You'll leave your first visit with clear answers and an initial plan.  Noticeable improvement often begins within the first few weeks, but meaningful change usually builds over several months as your brain and body adapt to the new sound environment and coping tools.

​

5)  How much does it cost (and does insurance cover it)?

​

Diagnostic tinnitus testing is often covered by insurance, especially when accompanied by hearing or balance concerns.  Ongoing tinnitus management visits may be partially covered, depending on your plan.  For those without coverage, we provide clear, upfront pricing and flexible membership or payment options through our AuDSurance Care Plans, so you can access relief without financial surprises.

​

6)  What can I expect to change, and how quickly?

​

While tinnitus itself may not “go away” completely, most patients experience significant relief in volume, awareness, and stress within weeks to months.
With proper treatment, your brain learns to filter out the tinnitus signal so it fades into the background of daily life. Sleep, concentration, and mood usually improve — and for many, the noise becomes far less intrusive or even unnoticed.

​

7)  What treatments do you offer?

​

We take a whole-person approach to tinnitus care — addressing not only the sound you hear, but also the stress, fatigue, and emotional impact it can create.

Our evidence-based treatment options include:

​

Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)

​

This gold-standard approach combines personalized counseling with sound therapy. The goal is to retrain your brain to interpret tinnitus as a neutral signal rather than a threat. Over time, this helps the tinnitus fade from conscious awareness, allowing you to live without constant focus on the sound.

 

Lenire® Neuromodulation

​

We are proud to offer Lenire, the first FDA-approved bimodal neuromodulation device for tinnitus treatment. It delivers gentle sound stimulation through the ears and mild electrical impulses to the tongue, working together to desensitize the brain’s tinnitus pathways. Most patients notice improvement within a few months of consistent use.

​

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Counseling

​

Tinnitus often worsens with stress, anxiety, or lack of sleep. Our audiologists incorporate CBT-based counseling and coping strategies to help you change the way you think about and respond to tinnitus. We’ll guide you through techniques to reduce emotional distress and restore control over your reactions to the sound.

​

Amplification & Sound Therapy Devices

​

For patients who also have hearing loss, hearing aids with tinnitus management features can provide dual benefit — improving hearing clarity while masking or reducing tinnitus perception. These devices can generate soft background sounds or ocean-like tones that soothe the auditory system and promote habituation.

​

Alternative and Supportive Therapies

​

We also provide education and guidance on complementary options that can support tinnitus relief, such as:

​

• Relaxation and mindfulness techniques

• Stress management and sleep hygiene

• Nutritional and lifestyle factors that may reduce tinnitus triggers

• Gentle background sound use (fans, white noise apps, nature sounds)

• Referrals for physical therapy, massage, or TMJ specialists if needed

 

Every treatment plan is tailored to the individual. We consider your hearing, lifestyle, stress levels, and goals — creating a program that supports your whole well-being, not just your ears.

​

​8)  What your clinic different than others?

​

At Audiology Center of Maine, tinnitus care is not an afterthought - it's a specialty.

​

• Doctor-level expertise: Our audiologists are trained in advanced tinnitus evaluation and habituation therapy.

• Whole-person philosophy: We address the emotional, physical, and neurological factors that influence tinnitus.

• Comprehensive treatment options: From Lenire and TRT to CBT and custom sound programs, we offer the most advanced tools available.

• Personal follow-up: We stay with you throughout your progress, making adjustments as needed to ensure continued relief.

• Trusted Maine care: For more than 20 years, we’ve helped patients across Maine rediscover peace and clarity through compassionate, science-based audiology.

​

You don’t have to live with constant ringing. Relief starts with a clear diagnosis and a plan tailored to you.

​