Concierge audiology · London
Pitch match and mask, audiology-led characterisation of tinnitus pitch and minimum masking level.
Pitch matching and mask testing characterises tinnitus by matching the perceived tone to a reference frequency and determining the minimum masking level. Essential for tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) and sound-generator programming.
Why patients choose us
- 01
The right hands
We route you to a consultant audiologist or ENT — the person who characterises your tinnitus decides the plan.
- 02
Often answers same-day
Pitch match, loudness match and minimum masking level are usually characterised in a single session.
- 03
Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
Key facts
Pitch match and mask, at a glance.
Six essentials that frame everything else on this page — what the test is, who reads it, and what it is used for.
- 01
Definition
Audiology-led characterisation of tinnitus pitch and masking level.
- 02
Foundation of TRT
Underpins tinnitus retraining therapy and all sound-based therapy.
- 03
Complementary
Complements audiometry and loudness discomfort level (LDL) testing.
- 04
Reproducible
Reproducible in most cooperative patients across sessions.
- 05
Interpreted by
Read by a consultant audiologist or ENT surgeon.
- 06
Hearing-aid programming
Used to programme hearing aids with a tinnitus masker.
Indicative pricing
What pitch match and mask testing costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
A standalone pitch match and mask in our network: £180–£300, with findings often the same day.
| Assessment | Indicative range | Typical duration | Report turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pitch match and mask (standalone) | £180–£300 | 30 min | Same-day |
| Full tinnitus assessment (PTA + PMM + LDL) | £320–£550 | 60 min | Same-day |
| Assessment + audiology consultation | £450–£750 | 75 min | Same visit |
| Assessment + ENT consultation | £550–£950 | 75 min | Same visit |
| TRT programme initiation (session 1) | £600–£1,100 | 90 min | Same-week |
| Tinnitus-masker hearing-aid programming | £400–£900 | 60 min | Same-week |
Prices vary by clinic, whether audiometry and LDL testing are added, and whether a same-visit audiology or ENT consultation is included. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
Tinnitus care is only as good as the characterisation behind it.
Sound generators and TRT programmes only work when the pitch, loudness and minimum masking level are known. We route you to an audiologist or ENT surgeon who characterises tinnitus properly — not a generalist.
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Persistent tinnitus?
We arrange a full audiology assessment and, where appropriate, a TRT pathway.
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Asymmetric hearing loss?
We route to MRI of the internal auditory meatus alongside audiology.
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Pulsatile tinnitus?
We fast-track vascular imaging rather than send you down an audiology-only route.
The pathway
From consultation to TRT plan — what happens, in order.
One clinician from first appointment to written plan — usually a single session.
Phase 1 · Before
Consultation and baseline
Phase 2 · In the booth
~30 minutes of matching and masking
Phase 3 · After
Written plan and TRT
- 01
Before
Audiology or ENT consultation
A short, confidential history — tinnitus character, onset, hearing loss, noise exposure and impact on sleep and mood.
- 02
Before
Full audiometry baseline
Pure-tone audiogram is completed first — pitch match and masking are always interpreted against the audiogram.
- 03
In the booth
Pitch match against reference tones
You compare your tinnitus to reference tones and identify the frequency (Hz) that best matches its perceived pitch.
- 04
In the booth
Loudness match to opposite ear
The matched tone is presented to the opposite ear at increasing intensity until it equals your tinnitus loudness.
- 05
In the booth
Minimum masking level determined
Narrow-band noise is raised until your tinnitus is just covered — the minimum masking level in dB.
- 06
In the booth
Residual inhibition tested
A short masking exposure checks whether your tinnitus quietens after the sound stops — a favourable TRT prognostic.
- 07
After
Written plan and TRT referral
A written report and, where indicated, referral into a structured tinnitus retraining therapy pathway.
Typical end-to-end: 1–2 visits. Urgent cases: same week.
What it shows
When pitch match and mask is the right test.
Pitch match and mask answers specific questions — the pitch, loudness and masking behaviour of your tinnitus, and what those numbers mean for therapy.
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Pitch (Hz) of tinnitus
The matched frequency in hertz — usually within the region of your greatest hearing loss.
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Loudness match (dB HL)
How loud your tinnitus is relative to a matched tone in the opposite ear.
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Minimum masking level
The lowest narrow-band noise level that just covers your tinnitus.
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Residual inhibition duration
Seconds to minutes of quiet after masking — a favourable therapy signal.
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Uni- vs bilateral tinnitus profile
Whether one or both ears carry the tinnitus, and any asymmetry.
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Post-acoustic-trauma pattern
Typical high-frequency notch pattern after noise or blast exposure.
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Post-Ménière’s tinnitus profile
Low-frequency roaring pattern seen after Ménière’s episodes.
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Red flag: pulsatile tinnitus + carotid bruit — vascular MRI / MRA pathway
A pulsatile character with an audible bruit routes to urgent vascular imaging, not audiology alone.
Treatment options
What follows a pitch match and mask.
The characterisation feeds a plan — sound therapy, CBT, medication, imaging or neuromodulation, chosen for your profile.
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Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT)
Structured programme combining sound therapy and directive counselling.
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Sound generators / hearing aids
In-ear devices that partially mask tinnitus and restore audibility.
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CBT for tinnitus
Cognitive behavioural therapy — the highest-evidence psychological intervention.
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Betahistine (Ménière’s)
For tinnitus in the context of Ménière’s disease, alongside vestibular care.
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MRI IAM for asymmetric SNHL
MRI of the internal auditory meatus when hearing loss is asymmetric.
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Neuromodulation trials
Bimodal auditory-somatosensory stimulation and rTMS in selected patients.
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Structured audiology follow-up
Serial reviews to track progress and adjust device programming.
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Multi-disciplinary tinnitus clinic
Combined audiology, ENT and psychology input for complex or refractory cases.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of clinics, we picked them.
Audiology and ENT partners across central, north, west and south London. Not listed publicly — introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every clinic in our network.
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Consultant audiologists and ENT surgeons with dedicated tinnitus practice
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Standardised pitch-match, loudness-match and MML protocols
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Same-day written report and structured TRT pathway
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Onward vascular, neuro-otology or psychology referral when indicated
Red flags
When audiology isn’t enough on its own.
Nine patterns that change the pathway — from audiology alone to vascular imaging, MRI of the internal auditory meatus, or urgent ENT and neurology review.
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Pulsatile tinnitus (vascular)
A rhythmic, heartbeat-timed sound routes to vascular MRI/MRA, not audiology alone.
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Asymmetric SNHL + tinnitus
Marked asymmetry mandates MRI of the internal auditory meatus.
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Sudden SNHL
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is an emergency — 24-hour ENT assessment.
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Vestibular schwannoma
Unilateral tinnitus with imbalance can indicate a schwannoma — MRI IAM.
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Chiari malformation
Positional tinnitus with cough-triggered headache — MRI brain with cine flow.
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Post-blast injury
Acoustic trauma with sudden onset — same-week specialist assessment.
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Post-radiotherapy tinnitus
New tinnitus after head-and-neck radiotherapy — oncology review before audiology.
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Superior canal dehiscence
Autophony and sound-induced vertigo — high-resolution CT petrous bones.
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Idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Pulsatile tinnitus with headache and visual change — urgent neuro-ophthalmology and MRI/MRV.
Reading your report
A tinnitus report can look intimidating. It isn’t.
Whatever the finding, the report keeps to the same four parts.
A quiet reminder
The report is written for your clinician, not for you — and that’s normal.
If you would like us to talk you through it before your follow-up, just ask.
- 01 Header
Indication and history
Your details, the reason for testing, and the tinnitus history that frames interpretation.
- 02 Technique
Audiometry and matching protocol
The audiogram used as reference, and the pitch-match, loudness-match and MML protocol applied.
- 03 Findings
Pitch, loudness, MML, residual inhibition
The matched frequency in Hz, loudness in dB HL, minimum masking level and residual inhibition duration.
- 04 Impression
The conclusion: read this first
The tinnitus profile in plain terms and the concrete next step — TRT, device programming or onward imaging.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover depends on your policy and clinic; we confirm with your insurer before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about pitch match and mask.
Quick answers on what the test measures, why it matters for TRT, referrals, and when audiology alone isn’t enough.
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What is pitch match and mask testing?
Audiology-led characterisation of your tinnitus. You compare your tinnitus to reference tones to identify its pitch (Hz), match its loudness in the opposite ear (dB HL), and identify the minimum narrow-band noise level that just covers it (minimum masking level).
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Why is it important for tinnitus retraining therapy?
TRT combines sound therapy with directive counselling. Without a matched pitch and minimum masking level, sound generators and hearing-aid maskers cannot be programmed accurately — pitch match and mask is the foundation of that programming.
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How long does the test take?
Around 30 minutes for the pitch match and mask itself, or 60 minutes for a full tinnitus assessment including pure-tone audiometry and loudness discomfort levels.
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Do I need a referral?
Most audiology providers accept self-referral. We can arrange a fast-track private GP or ENT letter if a formal referral is needed for insurance or an onward pathway.
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What if my tinnitus is pulsatile?
Pulsatile tinnitus — a rhythmic sound in time with your heartbeat — needs vascular imaging (MRI/MRA), not audiology testing alone. We will route you accordingly.
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Will this cure my tinnitus?
No single test cures tinnitus. Pitch match and mask characterises it so that TRT, sound generators, CBT and, in selected patients, neuromodulation can be applied with the right settings and the right expectations.
Sources
The guidance behind this page.
- British Society of Audiology. Recommended procedure on tinnitus assessment.
- British Tinnitus Association. Information on pitch matching and masking.
- European Federation of Audiology Societies. Position papers on tinnitus care.
- American Academy of Audiology. Clinical guidance on tinnitus.
Reviewed 2026-07-30. Next scheduled review 2027-07-30. Reviewer: Pulse Atlas Editorial Board, .
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In practice, in London
Booking pitch match and mask privately in London — what actually happens
With pitch match and mask, the London question is usually about report turnaround and the radiologist reading it — not whether the scan is available. Public provision for pitch match and mask is competent but constrained by capacity. Private London clinics tend to have shorter diaries and longer appointment slots, so you get the same specialists with more time. For people who’ve been going round in circles with primary care, that first proper conversation is often what shifts things.
A private pitch match and mask pathway in London usually looks like this: an initial consultation, any diagnostics booked at a nearby facility (most within Zone 1 or 2), and a written report sent to you and your GP within a few days. The consultants we work with hold NHS posts alongside their private lists, which keeps the standards consistent across both settings. For pitch match and mask specifically, the difference between a routine report and a sub-speciality read is where private care earns its keep.
Where a good concierge earns its keep is in the matching. There are dozens of consultants in London who see pitch match and mask — but not all of them are the right fit for every case. We narrow it down based on subspecialty, insurer coverage, the specific question being asked, and whether continuity into treatment matters. The right first appointment saves you from repeating yourself later.