Tinnitus Treatment in Northeast Ohio
At Sounds of Life Hearing Center in Concord Township, we understand that tinnitus isn't just a sound—it's an experience that affects your sleep, focus, mood, and quality of life. Serving Painesville, Mentor, and Lake County, we provide expert tinnitus treatment whether your symptoms sound like ringing, buzzing, hissing, or roaring.
But here's the truth:
You don't have to "just live with it."
Our team of Doctors of Audiology specializes in tinnitus care using a powerful combination of science, brain-based retraining, wellness support, and advanced technology.
If You're Feeling Overwhelmed
Tinnitus can be distressing. If you're feeling hopeless or having thoughts of self-harm, help is available.
Or text HELLO to 741741
We treat the whole person—not just their ears
So you can take control and start feeling better.
Why Choose Sounds of Life Hearing Center?
We know how frustrating and isolating tinnitus can feel. That's why we've created a clinic where you are seen, heard, and supported every step of the way.
Doctorate-Level Audiologists
Advanced training in tinnitus diagnosis and management
Lenire® Approved Provider
One of only a few clinics nationwide approved to fit and utilize the Neuromod Lenire® tinnitus treatment system
Modern Tinnitus Specialty Care
Using biometrics to monitor and guide patients, considering stress, movement, and sleep quality
Whole-Person Approach
Goes beyond the ears—addressing stress, sleep, mental health, lifestyle, and more
Science-Based Care
Uses the latest research in neuroscience and neuroplasticity
Trusted by Northeast Ohio
Transparent pricing, expert guidance, and zero-pressure treatment planning
What Is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is when you hear a sound—like ringing, buzzing, hissing, or whooshing—that's not coming from the outside world. These sounds might be constant or come and go. Most often, only you can hear it.
Tinnitus is very common, especially in adults. It affects about 15–20% of people, and is often linked to changes in the hearing system or how the brain processes sound. Sometimes this can be due to loud noise exposure and it is often co-occurring with hearing loss, but not always—some people with normal hearing experience it too.
Why Is Tinnitus Bothering Me So Much?
Some people hardly notice their tinnitus. Others can't focus, sleep, or relax.
Why the difference?
It has to do with how the brain and emotions respond to the sound. When your brain starts treating tinnitus like a threat, the amygdala – the part of the brain involved in emotional processing – can increase a person's awareness of the sound and make it feel more intense and distressing.
Here's the good news:
Your brain can learn to stop reacting. We help you retrain your brain so tinnitus becomes less noticeable and less upsetting.
What Causes Tinnitus?
There are many possible causes. These include:
- Hearing loss (even mild)
- Loud noise exposure (music, machinery, etc.)
- Certain medications (like high-dose aspirin or antibiotics)
- Ear infections or wax buildup
- Head or neck injuries
- Blood flow problems
Note: Chronic stress and anxiety can worsen the tinnitus or contribute to the onset of it becoming bothersome, as can lack of high-quality sleep. Sometimes the exact cause isn't clear—but we can still help you find relief.
Tinnitus by the Numbers
About 4% of those with tinnitus find it debilitating enough to interfere significantly with daily functioning
48-60% of Veterans returning from combat zones report tinnitus or hearing loss, making it the #1 service-connected disability in the VA system
Tinnitus is more common in older adults but can affect anyone—even kids
People with tinnitus are more than twice as likely to report moderate to severe depression, anxiety, or sleep issues (Source: JAMA Otolaryngology)
How Does Stress Affect Tinnitus?
Stress and poor sleep can make tinnitus feel louder and more frustrating. The brain focuses on the sound more when you're anxious, tired, or burned out.
Research Shows:
- Studies using brain imaging show that tinnitus distress is closely linked to overactivity in the brain's limbic system (Leaver et al., 2012; Vanneste et al., 2018)
- People with chronic bothersome tinnitus show increased functional connectivity between the auditory cortex and the amygdala (Husch et al., 2020)
That's why our approach includes:
- Coping strategies
- Sleep tips
- Mindfulness techniques
- Mental health support referrals
We treat the whole person, not just the ears.
Common Myths About Tinnitus
Myth
"There's nothing you can do."
Fact
False! There are many proven treatment options.
Myth
"You just have to live with it."
Fact
Not true. You can learn to manage it and feel better.
Myth
"Tinnitus will cause dementia."
Fact
False! There is no data to support this claim.
Important Note About Dementia:
One thing many patients have brought up is that they have heard that tinnitus will cause dementia. There is no data to support this.
There IS data (primarily out of Dr. Frank Lin's lab at Johns Hopkins) to support that:
- There is a connection between hearing loss and all-cause dementia
- Hearing loss is one of many modifiable risk factors for dementia (but NOT causative for it)
- The fitting of hearing aids using evidence-based practice has a small chance of slowing the decline into dementia for those who are at high risk
But it is false to say that hearing loss causes dementia, that the treatment of hearing loss will cure or prevent dementia, or that tinnitus will cause dementia.
What to Expect at Your Tinnitus Evaluation
It is important that we get to know all about our patients, including in-depth information about the way that they hear and experience sound and speech.
As stated earlier, about 90% of people with tinnitus have some degree of hearing loss – it may be so mild or limited to only a few tones and the person with tinnitus may not realize it.
Two Full Hours
Your tinnitus evaluation at Sounds of Life will be scheduled for two full hours of which the first hour is spent getting a detailed picture of your hearing system.
Following your evaluation and consultation, you will have clear answers, guidance, and a personalized treatment plan.
Advanced Hearing & Tinnitus Testing
- Hearing sensitivity and clarity (in quiet and in background noise)
- Comfortable and uncomfortable listening levels
- Speech understanding and listening fatigue
- Extended high-frequency testing
- Otoacoustic emissions to evaluate inner ear function
- Tympanometry and acoustic reflexes
- Tinnitus pitch and loudness matching
- Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing (if medically necessary)
Health, Medication, and Lifestyle Review
- Medical, auditory, and vestibular history
- Mental health background and past trauma
- Medications and supplements that may trigger tinnitus
- Sleep patterns, hydration, diet, caffeine/alcohol intake
- Stress levels and coping strategies
- Lifestyle, environment, and support system
- Optional biometric data (like heart rate variability or sleep tracking)
Subjective Impact Questionnaires
We'll ask how your tinnitus affects your sleep, focus, mood, and daily life. Your experience matters—and it shapes your care plan.
Education & Explanation
We explain the neuroscience behind tinnitus, what your test results mean, and how your symptoms connect to your hearing and lifestyle.
Personalized Treatment Plan
No single solution works for everyone. Relief usually comes from a combination of strategies, tailored to your unique needs.
Personalized Treatment Plan
No single solution works for everyone. Relief usually comes from a combination of strategies, tailored to your unique needs.
Hearing aids for hearing loss and tinnitus masking
Lenire® neuromodulation therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or referral to a mental health provider
Formal Mindfulness-Based Tinnitus Stress Reduction programs
Sound therapy apps (White Noise, ReSound Relief, Widex Zen)
Sleep hygiene and calming techniques
Mindfulness practices like 4-7-8 breathing
Communication strategies and aural rehab
Nervous system regulation using biometric tools
Lifestyle changes: hydration, nutrition, movement
Captioned phones or amplified smoke alarms
Medication/supplement review with your physician
Ongoing follow-up visits for support and progress tracking
Treatment Highlight: Lenire® Neuromodulation Therapy
We're one of only 3 providers in Ohio (as of June 2025) offering Lenire®, a breakthrough tinnitus treatment device that uses bimodal neuromodulation to help reduce tinnitus distress. Lenire combines sound stimulation with gentle tongue stimulation to encourage neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to adapt and change.
Results
70–80% of patients report meaningful improvement when using Lenire as directed. In April 2025, Nature Communications published a study showing 91.5% of 212 patients showed significant improvement after 12 weeks.
Treatment Timeline
- • Used at home: 30 minutes, twice per day
- • Minimum treatment phase: 12 weeks
- • Follow-ups at 2, 6, 12 weeks, and 6 & 12 months
Total cost (device + services): $4,690
Because Lenire is patient-specific, it cannot be returned or reused. We'll walk you through payment options and expectations.
"Modern Tinnitus" biometric monitoring program is available for additional price when used alongside Lenire treatment
Modern Tinnitus Specialty Model
Sounds of Life is proud to be a certified Modern Tinnitus Specialty Clinic—one of only a few in the country.
Brain
Retraining how you process and react to tinnitus
Body
Improving sleep and nervous system balance
Emotions
Reducing stress and building resilience
We blend medical science, technology, and wellness practices to support your brain's healing and help you feel better—not just hear better.
Tinnitus Evaluation Fees
We believe in transparency and want you to feel prepared.
Fees Due at Your Visit
Deposit Information
Because we reserve two full hours for this evaluation, a $100 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of scheduling.
This deposit will be credited toward your fees on the day of your visit.
Insurance & Testing
Online Booking
We will call you and email an invoice. The deposit must be paid within 2 business days to keep your appointment.
Not Billable to Insurance
The Counseling & Consultation Fee ($350) is not billable to insurance.
When Should You See a Doctor of Audiology?
Schedule an Appointment If:
- Tinnitus is bothering you
- It's affecting your sleep or mood
- You also have hearing loss, ear fullness, or dizziness
Also See a Medical Doctor If:
- Sudden hearing loss, tinnitus, or vertigo
- Significant ear pain
- Unusual drainage or bleeding from the ear
- One ear that is significantly worse than the other
- A recent injury to your head or ear
Our audiologists know what red flags to look for and when to refer you.
Why Choose an Audiologist?
Audiologists are the highest-trained non-medical professionals in diagnosing and treating tinnitus. We hold clinical doctorate degrees (Au.D.) and complete thousands of clinical hours before licensure.
We are trained to:
- Diagnose and treat tinnitus and hearing loss
- Provide counseling and aural rehabilitation
- Perform advanced hearing and balance testing
- Safely remove earwax
Audiologist vs. Hearing Aid Dispenser
| Category | Audiologist | Hearing Aid Dispenser |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Doctoral degree (Au.D.) | High school diploma required |
| Training | 2,000+ clinical hours | No clinical training |
| Tinnitus Care | Can diagnose and treat tinnitus | Cannot treat tinnitus |
| Testing | Can perform diagnostic testing | Limited to basic testing |
| Services | Rehab, auditory processing, counseling | No training in rehab or counseling |
Important: Even if someone is listed as "Board Certified" or a "Hearing Aid Specialist," it doesn't mean they're qualified to evaluate or treat tinnitus. Always seek care from a licensed audiologist.
Real Stories from Tinnitus Patients
Hear from patients who found relief with our tinnitus treatment programs
Lenire Treatment Success"I have been battling tinnitus for about 15 years. After trying many different approaches I came across the Lenire treatment device. Dr. Curtis was amazing during the whole process, very patient and understanding. I just finished my 12 week treatment program and I have to say it has been successful! My tinnitus has become much more manageable and my quality of life has greatly improved. I would definitely recommend Dr Curtis and her staff to anyone dealing with tinnitus and considering the Lenire treatment."
Comprehensive Care Journey"I've been struggling with tinnitus and hearing loss for 7 years. After seeing Dr Curtis and her group, is was the first time I felt like i was being helped rather than just having these problems. They want to help me and genuinely care about what I want. I want to understand what is happening with my body and mind, they take their time to explain things that at each visit I feel more hopeful. This group is a business that cares greatly, and it shows."
Take the First Step Toward Relief
You don't have to figure this out alone. Our expert team is here to help you understand your tinnitus—and take real steps toward relief.
Email: tinnitus@soundsoflifehc.com