Tinnitus Testing and Tinnitus Treatment

We need this referral on our referral sheet which can be downloaded from our website on this link.  https://bundaberghearingaids.net.au/referral-form  The Tinnitus Testing Protocol we use includes Comprehensive Case History, High Tone Diagnostic Hearing Battery, Otoacoustic (OAE) Testing to see if there is any damage to the Cochlear (organ of hearing) which may not show on a general hearing test, as well as Auditory Brainstem Response to look at the integrity of the hearing nerve and rule out most Acoustic Tumours 1.5 cm or larger.  We also use some Questionnaires  to screen for tinnitus distress, such as the Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire (TRQ) and also depression, anxiety, stress via the DAAS21 test.  If there are any medical causes that are identified in the testing we will recommend further action.  If there is no medical cause, we then look at the triggers which may be aggravating or making the Tinnitus worse and the options for Tinnitus Treatment and Management.

Tinnitus is often are a symptom of Hearing Loss and/or Noise Exposure.  However any recent or new Tinnitus,  Tinnitus in one ear only, Pulsatile Tinnitus (in sync with heartbeat), or tinnitus with sudden loss of hearing should be investigated with a comprehensive battery of tests to rule out any medical issues, and so we can refer to your GP for further testing or medical interventions if required.

Some common causes of tinnitus include temporary hearing loss (I.e. a middle ear infection), Permanent Hearing Loss, Wax in the Ears, Stress, Inadequate Sleep,  Loud Noise Exposure and Carbon Monoxide Exposure.   Radiation to the head and neck, and Chemotherapy drugs like Cisplatin can cause hearing loss and tinnitus and hearing is often monitored during such treatments.  We do this audiological monitoring with includes high tone testing and Otoacoustic Emissions for the Bundaberg Base Hospital and their Hospital in the Home Program.

More rarely Tinnitus can be caused by something which requires GP or specialist management, Ear Nose and Throat Specialist ( ENT) or Neurologist opinion.  Conditions such as Acoustic Neuroma (Brain Tumour) pressing on the 8th Nerve, Middle Ear Tumours, Heart Disease, Auto Immune Disease, High Blood Pressure, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Perimenopause, Ototoxic drugs, or Sexually transmitted infections, and may be an early warning sign for urgent  medical referral and care.

For any Tinnitus Treatment to work Stress, Sleep, and Hearing loss must be examined and management strategies put in place to assist.  Any of these triggers will make it more difficult for the brain to to desensitise (this is where the brain begins to relax to its own signals and no longer interprets them as dangerous), and learn to ignore the tinnitus.

It is generally thought that Tinnitus starts as a faulty signal between the Ear and the Brain which then generalises and is replicated by the brain giving the Phantom Noise.  It often sounds like a high-pitched ring, cicadas, buzzing or ocean sound but many variations are possible.  

No single treatment works for everyone but Hearing Aids with the Zen program or white noise help reduce the tinnitus for around 80 to 90% of clients in my clinical experience.   These can also be programmed without amplification functioning purely as Masking Units and not amplifying like hearing aids.  A couple of alternative treatment options also follow. 

Some brands of Hearing Aids have white noise generators to try and help mask the Tinnitus giving additional control back to the person.  High end hearing aids by Starkey and some other manufactures have the ability to further shape this sound to centre around the pitch of the tinnitus,  and to make it more comfortable by using your hearing levels to modify it.

Widex Hearing Aids have a setting in their devices called the ZEN Program.  Zen uses both white noise and fractal tones, which is a unique approach compared to the other manufactures, where the ZEN Stimulus  lets small bits of the tinnitus be perceived , in order not just to mask the tinnitus but to try and treat it by desensitising the brain across a number of months.  Bundaberg Hearing Aids and Tinnitus Treatment Clinic does have 3 month or longer rentals available, with this technology.  Pensioner's and Veterans eligible under the Hearing Services Scheme may be able to obtain some versions these devices at no cost, fully subsidised by the Federal Government.

The are many  products on the market promising relief.  Research is looking promising for devices that confuse the brain by introducing another sense like the Lenire using both auditory and tactile stimuli.

The Lenire received approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration in Sept 2025 and will soon be distributed by some  Audiologists and ENT's.  The device uses bimodal neuromodulation, using both sound and a small electrical stimulus to reduce perception of the tinnitus.  The initial set up and training is done by a professional such as a Clinical Audiologist .  After this treatment can be completed in the comfort of your own home.  Our Audiologist Dylan Deinert, has reached out for training and pricing of this device and will do a Blog describing it in more detail  once the information is available.

The Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment App uses spectrally modified music as the treatment stimuli, and is a system that is generally set up by an Audiologist who will tailor the sound to your individual hearing profile and needs.  The Neuromonics treatment program also includes counselling and support by an Audiologist.  

Many medications can make Tinnitus worse, but some medications and supplements may help in treatment and the Bundaberg's Best  Audiologist Dylan Deinert will discuss this with you across the consultation.

A report will be sent to your GP if there is a referral and a copy of any recommendations to you for management.

Unfortunately, this test cannot be bulk billed, but Medicare rebates will apply with GP referral.  Eligible Pensioners or Veterans may be able to be tested under the Hearing Services Program, chat to us to see if your are eligible.    Apart from funding under the Hearing Service Program, some clients may be eligible for funding from organisations such as NDIS, Department of Veterans Affairs, Workcover QLD etc.