DESCRIPTION
Tinnitus describes the perception of any sound in the ear in the absence of an external stimulus. Hearing impairment, often noise-induced or related to aging, is commonly associated with tinnitus. Clinically, tinnitus is subdivided into subjective and objective types. In the majority of cases, tinnitus is subjective and frequently self-limited. Common causes of objective tinnitus include middle ear and skull-based tumors, vascular abnormalities, and metabolic derangements. The American Academy of Otolaryngology defines ‘persistent’ tinnitus as six months or longer in duration and ‘bothersome’ as causing individual distress, affecting quality of life and/or functional health status.
A variety of nonpharmacologic treatments are being evaluated to improve the subjective symptoms of tinnitus. These approaches include use of tinnitus maskers (e.g., Neuromonics® Tinnitus Treatment) electrical stimulation, transmeatal laser irradiation, electromagnetic energy, tinnitus-retraining therapy, cognitive and behavioral therapies, transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcutaneous electrical stimulation, and sound therapy. Tinnitus retraining, also referred to as tinnitus habituation therapy, is another proposed treatment option.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), originally developed for treatment of depression and anxiety, has been shown to be effective in the treatment of tinnitus related distress. CBT teaches skills to identify negative thoughts that result in distress and how to restructure them. Current literature indicates that cognitive behavior therapy can improve coping skills and quality of life while decreasing tinnitus-associated distress and annoyance.
Note: This policy does not address surgical (e.g., cochlear or brainstem implants); pharmacologic treatment of tinnitus (e.g., use of amitriptyline or other tricyclic antidepressants); or injection of botulinum toxin.
POLICY
Treatment of tinnitus may be considered medically necessary if the medical appropriateness criteria are met. (See Medical Appropriateness below)
Treatment of tinnitus using any other method, including but not limited to, the following is considered investigational:
Electromagnetic energy
Electrical stimulation
Sound therapy
Combined psychological and sound therapy (e.g. tinnitus retraining therapy)
Tinnitus maskers
Transcranial magnetic stimulation
Transcutaneous electrical stimulation
Transmeatal laser irradiation
Biofeedback
MEDICAL APPROPRIATENESS
Treatment of tinnitus may be considered medically appropriate if ALL of the following apply:
Tinnitus is persistent (6 months or more)
Tinnitus is bothersome (causing distress, affecting quality of life and/or functional health status)
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is used.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Any specific products referenced in this policy are just examples and are intended for illustrative purposes only. It is not intended to be a recommendation of one product over another and is not intended to represent a complete listing of all products available. These examples are contained in the parenthetical e.g. statement.
We develop Medical Policies to provide guidance to Members and Providers. This Medical Policy relates only to the services or supplies described in it. The existence of a Medical Policy is not an authorization, certification, explanation of benefits, or a contract for the service (or supply) that is referenced in the Medical Policy. For a determination of the benefits that a member is entitled to receive under his or her health plan, the Member's health plan must be reviewed. If there is a conflict between the Medical Policy and a health plan or government program (e.g., TennCare), the express terms of the health plan or government program will govern.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Current evidence is insufficient to show improved health outcomes in individuals treated with methods other than cognitive behavioral therapy.
SOURCES
American Academy of Otolaryngology. (2014). Clinical practice guideline: tinnitus. Retrieved February 28, 2017 from http://www.entnet.org.
BlueCross BlueShield Association. Evidence Positioning System. (3:2023). Treatment of tinnitus (8.01.39). Retrieved February 19, 2024 from https://www.bcbsaoca.com/eps/. (46 articles and/or guidelines reviewed)
Henry, J.A., McMillan, G., Dann, S., Bennett, K., Griest, S., Theodoroff, S., et al. (2017). Tinnitus management: randomized controlled trial comparing extended-wear hearing aids, conventional hearing aids, and combination instruments. Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, 28 (6), 546-561. Abstract retrieved March 2, 2018 from PubMed database.
Shim, H. J., Kwak, M. Y., An, Y. H., Kim, D. H., Kim, Y. J., & Kim H. J. (2015). Feasibility and safety of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation paired with notched music therapy for the treatment of chronic tinnitus. Journal of Audiology & Otology, 19 (3), 159-167. (Level 3 evidence)
U. S. Food and Drug Administration. (2007, July). Center for Devices and Radiological Health. 510(k) Premarket Notification Database. K070599 (Tinnitus Masker Device). Retrieved July 19, 2011 from http://www.accessdata.fda.gov.
U. S. Food and Drug Administration. (2008, March). Center for Devices and Radiological Health. 510(k) Premarket Notification Database. K080955 (Zen Program™). Retrieved June 21, 2012 from http://www.accessdata.fda.gov.
U. S. Food and Drug Administration. (2011, December). Center for Devices and Radiological Health. 510(k) Premarket Notification Database. K112752 (ANM T30® Tinnitus Therapy System). Retrieved June 21, 2012 from http://www.accessdata.fda.gov.
ORIGINAL EFFECTIVE DATE: 12/1/2002
MOST RECENT REVIEW DATE: 3/14/2024
ID_BT
Policies included in the Medical Policy Manual are not intended to certify coverage availability. They are medical determinations about a particular technology, service, drug, etc. While a policy or technology may be medically necessary, it could be excluded in a member's benefit plan. Please check with the appropriate claims department to determine if the service in question is a covered service under a particular benefit plan. Use of the Medical Policy Manual is not intended to replace independent medical judgment for treatment of individuals. The content on this Web site is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice in any way. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider if you have questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.
This document has been classified as public information.