TERMS OF SERVICE
Expert Tinnitus & Audiology
Effective Date: January 15, 2026
IMPORTANT: By using our services, you agree to these terms. Please read carefully.
1. Our Services
Expert Tinnitus & Audiology (Erika Kay, Au.D., CH-TM) provides telehealth audiology services to patients in Washington State:
• Tinnitus and hearing consultations via telehealth
• Hearing aid recommendations and procurement services
• Virtual hearing aid programming and adjustments
• Lenire tinnitus treatment (in-person)
• Tinnitus management and sound therapy counseling
Washington State License: LD60795367
2. What We Are NOT
• Emergency Services: For medical emergencies, call 911
• Medical Care: We are not physicians. We may refer you to an ENT or other specialist
• Diagnostic Testing Facility: If you need a hearing evaluation, we will refer you to a licensed clinic
• Available Outside Washington: Services only provided to WA residents
3. Fees
Consultation Services:
• Initial Consultation: $250-295
• Follow-up Sessions: $75-150 (15-30 minutes, per session)
• Two-Appointment Package: Available at discounted rate
• Lenire Services: As quoted
Hearing Aid Procurement Services:
• Device cost (varies by manufacturer and technology level) + $300 professional services fee
• Exact quote provided after assessment
Payment Terms:
• Consultations: Due at scheduling
• Hearing aids: 50% deposit reserves devices from manufacturer, 50% due upon successful fitting when you receive devices
• Follow-up adjustments: Per-session fee at time of service
• Accepted: Credit/debit cards, HSA/FSA cards
Insurance:
We do not bill insurance directly but provide detailed superbills. While we cannot guarantee coverage, many patients receive partial reimbursement for audiology services. We recommend contacting your insurance before scheduling to understand your benefits.
4. Cancellations and Refunds
Consultations:
• 7+ days notice: 100% refund
• 72+ hours notice: 50% refund
• Less than 72 hours or no-show: No refund
• Documented medical emergencies, family emergencies, or provider-caused technical issues may qualify for refund consideration
Hearing Aids:
• Before manufacturer order placed: Full refund
• After delivery to you: 30-day trial period (see Section 7)
5. How Hearing Aid Services Work
Our Unbundled Model:
We separate device procurement from fitting services to eliminate conflicts of interest. This means unbiased recommendations and expert ongoing care at lower total cost. You pay only for services you actually use.
Step 1: Consultation & Recommendation
• You must have a recent hearing evaluation (within 6 months)
• If needed, we refer you to a clinic for diagnostic testing
• We review your results and recommend appropriate devices
Step 2: Procurement & Delivery
• You pay 50% deposit to reserve devices from manufacturer
• We order devices on your behalf
• You choose a fitting clinic (we provide list of preferred clinics or you can choose your own)
• Manufacturer ships devices directly to fitting clinic
Step 3: Initial Fitting (Required by WA Law)
• Washington law requires face-to-face contact for initial hearing aid dispensing
• You schedule appointment with fitting clinic within 30 days of device delivery to clinic
• Fitting clinic performs: diagnostic verification, real ear measurement, fitting, patient education
• You pay fitting clinic directly for their services (separate from our fee)
• You receive devices after successful fitting and pay us remaining 50%
• Fitting clinic may send us diagnostic data to support your ongoing care (professional courtesy)
Step 4: Ongoing Care
• All follow-up appointments billed per session at standard rates ($75-150 per 15-30 min session)
• Optional two-appointment package available at discounted rate
• You may also visit any audiology clinic with manufacturer access for adjustments
• Virtual adjustments provided as clinically appropriate
• Some issues may require in-person evaluation
6. Device Ownership & Responsibility
Ownership Timeline:
• Before shipping: Manufacturer owns devices
• In transit: Manufacturer/carrier insurance covers loss
• At fitting clinic: Manufacturer still owns; clinic confirms receipt and safekeeps devices
• After fitting when delivered to you: You own devices
What You're Paying Us For:
Your payment covers our professional procurement and coordination services. We order devices from manufacturer on your behalf, coordinate delivery, and provide ongoing professional support. Devices remain manufacturer property until delivered to you at fitting appointment.
Manufacturer Warranty:
Warranty is tied to device serial numbers, not specific provider. You can use warranty services from us or any provider with manufacturer access. Manufacturer handles defects and malfunctions under warranty terms.
Abandoned Devices:
You must schedule and attend fitting within 30 days of device delivery to clinic. Failure to attend may result in forfeiture of deposit and device return to manufacturer with applicable restocking fees.
7. 30-Day Trial Period
Washington State law (RCW 18.35.185) provides a 30-day trial period beginning from date of initial fitting:
• You may return devices within 30 days
• Notify us in writing
• Return devices directly to us (not to fitting clinic)
• We may retain 15% of purchase price OR $150 (whichever less) plus custom earmold costs
• Refund processed within 10 business days after receiving returned devices
• Full details provided in Notice to Buyer at fitting appointment
8. Your Responsibilities
• Be 18+ or have parental consent
• Be in Washington State during telehealth sessions
• Have reliable internet, device with camera/microphone, private location
• Provide accurate health information
• Technical troubleshooting during paid appointments; manufacturer support numbers provided
• We are not responsible for your technical difficulties
9. Limitation of Liability
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW:
• We are not liable for outcomes if we followed standard of care
• We are not liable for patient dissatisfaction with subjective preferences
• We are not liable for actions of fitting clinics or manufacturers
• In cases of proven negligence, liability limited to amount paid for services
• This does not affect your rights under consumer protection laws
10. Termination
We may terminate if:
• Patient is abusive, threatening, or disrespectful
• Repeated missed appointments without notice
• False or misleading information provided
• Failure to pay for services
You may terminate at any time with written notice.
Upon termination: Pre-paid services refunded pro-rata, hearing aid support transfers to your choice of provider, patient records provided upon request per HIPAA.
11. Privacy
We comply with HIPAA. See our Privacy Policy and HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices for details on how we protect your information.
12. Dispute Resolution
Before filing legal action, we agree to attempt good-faith resolution:
• Direct communication with practice
• Mediation if needed
This does not affect your right to file complaints with Washington State Department of Health or pursue legal remedies.
13. Other Terms
• Governing Law: Washington State, King County courts
• Changes: We may update these terms; changes posted with new effective date
• Severability: If any provision is invalid, remaining terms stay in effect
• Intellectual Property: Website content is our property
• Third-Party Links: We're not responsible for external websites
Contact
Expert Tinnitus & Audiology
Erika Kay, Au.D., CH-TM
15111 8th Ave SW, Ste 300
Burien, WA 98166
Phone: (206) 588-5886
Email: info@experttinnitus.com
Website: www.experttinnitus.com
By using our services, you acknowledge reading and agreeing to these Terms of Service.