CPT® Code 92625

Tinnitus is defined as the perception of sound that originates from within the inner ear or head, rather than from an external source. This condition is often experienced as subjective tinnitus, where the sound is only audible to the individual affected. In rare cases, it can manifest as objective tinnitus, which can also be heard by a healthcare provider. Patients typically describe the sounds associated with tinnitus in various ways, including hissing, buzzing, ringing, squealing, whining, clicking, or popping. The nature of tinnitus can vary, with some individuals experiencing it continuously while others may have intermittent episodes. The assessment of tinnitus involves a comprehensive evaluation that includes pitch matching, loudness matching, and determining the minimum masking level (MML) of the tinnitus. During this assessment, earphones are utilized to deliver auditory stimuli, and an audiometer is employed to display and record the findings. Each ear is tested separately to ensure accurate results. The pitch matching process requires the patient to identify a sound stimulus that closely matches the pitch of their tinnitus. Similarly, loudness matching involves the patient identifying the intensity of a sound that corresponds to the loudness of their tinnitus. The masking evaluation aims to find the lowest level of sound stimulus that effectively masks the tinnitus, making it inaudible to the patient. Following the assessment, the results are interpreted, and a detailed written report of the findings is provided to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.