What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no outside sound is present. Although tinnitus is commonly referred to as "ringing in the ears," other sounds such as hissing, roaring, crackling, or rushing water have been reported by individuals who suffer from tinnitus. Tinnitus can occur in one or both ears and can occur with or without hearing loss. While noise exposure is the leading known cause of tinnitus, it can be a symptom of a medical condition or a result of medications and even diet. Approximately 40-50 million Americans suffer from chronic or prolonged tinnitus, and nearly 25% of those report disrupted sleep patterns. About 2 million Americans report being debilitated by chronic tinnitus.* Hyperacusis, an over-sensitivity to certain sounds, is reported by about 40% of patients with tinnitus. The UNT Tinnitus & Hyperacusis Clinic provides specialized assessment and intervention for individuals who suffer prolonged tinnitus.

Evaluation of Tinnitus

Since Tinnitus can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, a physician should be consulted. A complete hearing evaluation is also important. The UNT Tinnitus Clinic utilizes a specialized evaluation process that includes identifying the type and severity of the tinnitus, impact on quality of life, and likely contributors to the condition.

Management Options

Unfortunately for some individuals, tinnitus may be a chronic condition. The UNT Tinnitus Clinic helps clients learn to manage the disorder and minimize its effect on daily life. The clinic offers a variety of evidence-based intervention strategies including amplification, masking devices, specialized treatment devices, and tinnitus retraining. Audiologists also counsel with clients to help with understanding and adjustment to the condition. All interventions are carefully monitored through regular follow-up with clients. Close collaboration with the physician is also maintained.

Ongoing Research

The UNT Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Clinic is committed to ongoing research of evaluation and management of tinnitus and hyperacusis. The clinic is directed by Ernest Moore, Ph.D., and Kamakshi Gopal, Ph.D. Tinnitus Clinic clients have the option of participating in research programs. Ongoing involvement in research assures that clients will have access to the latest methods for evaluation and management of tinnitus.

Ernest J. Moore, Ph.D.
Professor & Chair

Dr. Moore has received numerous awards, fellowships, and grants. These include those from the National Institutes of Health, Deafness Research Foundation, Hugh Knowles Research Foundation, Montell Williams MS Foundation, and the National Science Foundation. In addition to his clinical work with tinnitus, he directs a basic science research laboratory that employs research techniques of multicell electrophysiology, single cell patch clamp electrophysiology, immunocytochemistry, molecular biology, animal tracking behavior, auditory evoked potentials and otoacoustic emissions. Some of the basic laboratory work involves research on tinnitus. This may lead to a better understanding of the underlying causes of tinnitus, which could possibly lead to new treatment regimens.

Kamakshi Gopal, Ph.D.
Professor of Audiology

Dr. Gopal is a Professor of Audiology and the Director of the Au.D. Program at UNT. She is internationally recognized for her clinical audiology research and basic neuroscience research using in vitro auditory neuronal networks.

How to Request an Appointment

You may schedule an appointment for the Tinnitus & Hyperacusis Clinic in a few different ways:

Contact the UNT Speech and Hearing Center at 940-565-2262 or 866-650-2472 and request an appointment with the Tinnitus Clinic

Send an email request to TinnitusAppointments@unt.edu

The fee for an evaluation is $100.00. Your insurance may cover the cost of the evaluation. We offer a sliding fee scale for those who meet income qualifications.

*Source: Sweetow, R., "Critical Analysis of Tinnitus Management," Audiology NOW!, 2008.