Horizon Hearing & Tinnitus
Tinnitus Treatment in Walla Walla, WA
Revolutionary tinnitus relief
Understanding Tinnitus and Evaluation
Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external sound is present. You might experience it as ringing, buzzing, humming, hissing, or other sounds that can be intermittent or constant. These sounds vary greatly from person to person in pitch, volume, and quality. Tinnitus often occurs alongside hearing loss, though not always, and can significantly impact your quality of life, sleep, and daily activities.
At Horizon Hearing & Tinnitus, we begin with a comprehensive evaluation to understand your specific tinnitus experience. This assessment includes a complete hearing test, as unaddressed hearing loss is often a contributing factor to tinnitus symptoms. We also perform tinnitus-specific testing, including pitch matching, loudness matching, and maskability assessment, to characterize your tinnitus accurately.
This detailed evaluation allows us to identify the type and severity of your tinnitus and determine which treatment options will be most effective for your situation. Understanding your tinnitus is the essential first step toward finding relief.
Expert tinnitus care in walla walla
Tinnitus Treatment Options
- Hearing Treatments: Hearing-related therapies can significantly reduce the impact of tinnitus by improving overall hearing and providing soothing background sound. Hearing aids amplify everyday sounds, which reduces the contrast between external noise and the internal ringing, making tinnitus less noticeable. They also decrease listening strain and often include built-in sound therapy programs that further support relief. Standalone sound generators—such as noise machines or maskers—offer calming sounds like white noise or nature tones to reduce the contrast between tinnitus and silence. Combination devices provide both amplification and sound therapy in one system, offering a dual approach to relief.
- Lenire: Horizon Hearing & Tinnitus is proud to offer Lenire, an FDA-approved bimodal neuromodulation device. Lenire pairs sound therapy through headphones with gentle tongue stimulation to help retrain how the brain processes tinnitus. This at-home treatment has demonstrated meaningful benefit in clinical studies and offers a noninvasive, structured pathway toward long-term improvement.
- Oto Tinnitus App: We also offer access to the Oto tinnitus app, a convenient, evidence-based program designed to help you manage tinnitus from the comfort of home. It combines sound therapy, guided Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques, relaxation exercises, and expert education to support habituation and reduce the impact of tinnitus on daily life. Oto offers a flexible, easy-to-use approach that empowers patients to take control of their symptoms anytime, anywhere.
- Therapy and Counseling Options: Therapy and counseling options for tinnitus focus on reducing stress, improving coping skills, and helping the brain respond differently to the sound. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps reduce the stress and worry caused by tinnitus while building healthier coping strategies. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) uses education and sound therapy to help the brain gradually tune out tinnitus. Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) supports individuals in accepting tinnitus and staying engaged in meaningful activities. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques—such as deep breathing, meditation, and guided relaxation—can also lower stress levels, which often makes tinnitus feel less noticeable.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Supporting lifestyle changes can make a meaningful difference. Stress reduction, improved sleep habits, dietary adjustments, regular exercise, and sound-enriched environments all contribute to better day-to-day comfort.
Your Questions Answered
Frequently asked questions
We understand you may have questions about hearing aid fittings, what to expect during your appointment, and how we ensure your devices work perfectly for your lifestyle. Dr. Whitney Jacky, Au.D., CH-TM, with extensive experience in audiology and tinnitus management, has compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Tinnitus can result from various factors, including hearing loss, exposure to loud noises, ear infections, certain medications, or underlying health conditions. Prolonged exposure to loud environments and machinery can contribute to tinnitus development.
Lenire uses bimodal neuromodulation, combining sound therapy through Bluetooth headphones with gentle electrical stimulation via a Tonguetip device. This bimodal approach helps retrain your brain's response to tinnitus signals. Users complete two 30-minute treatment sessions daily and can be done at home with our ongoing support.
Insurance coverage for tinnitus treatment varies by plan, but it is not generally a covered benefit. Our staff will help you understand your benefits and work to maximize coverage. We assist with claim documentation and can provide treatment plans for insurance submissions.
While there's no universal "cure" for tinnitus, many patients experience a significant reduction in symptoms through proper treatment. Our goal is to help you manage tinnitus effectively so it no longer interferes with your daily life, sleep, or overall well-being.
No referral is necessary to schedule a tinnitus consultation at Horizon Hearing & Tinnitus, although we do request a hearing test that has been completed within 6 moths. We welcome self-referrals and work collaboratively with local physicians when coordinated care benefits the patient.
Our comprehensive evaluation includes a detailed history, hearing assessment, tinnitus matching and measurement, and discussion of how tinnitus impacts your life. We use this information to develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Hear From Our Customers
What Our Customers Say
Our patients’ experiences speak volumes about our commitment to excellence, with many reporting improved relationships, renewed confidence, and a transformative impact on their daily lives through better hearing.
Hearing Care by Horizon Hearing & Tinnitus
The Horizon Hearing Difference
At Horizon Hearing & Tinnitus, we combine personalized solutions, expert care, cutting-edge technology, and comprehensive ongoing support to create an unparalleled hearing healthcare experience in Walla Walla.
Personalized Solutions
Tailored hearing solutions designed to meet your needs.
Expert Audiologist
Dr. Jacky, Au.D., CH-TM, provides exceptional audiology care.
Cutting-Edge Technology
Advanced hearing aids plus FDA-approved Lenire therapy.
Comprehensive Support
Ongoing adjustments, cleanings, repairs, and insurance assistance.
