For the 20 million Americans enduring the persistent ringing in their ears known as tinnitus, a promising over-the-counter solution has emerged, one that has shown to improve symptoms in 84% of users.
This innovative device, known as Lenire, utilizes a combination of gentle electrical stimulation to the tongue and white noise played through headphones to help reorient the brain away from the intrusive sounds of tinnitus, thus reducing its impact on daily life.
Lenire’s method may seem unconventional, but its effectiveness is supported by multiple clinical trials. Priced at $4,000, Lenire is not typically covered by most insurance plans, making it a significant investment for those seeking relief. Despite this, the device has received FDA approval and is currently being utilized by clinicians across the country.
Although comprehensive long-term data on its continuous viability as a treatment is still limited, the early results have been highly encouraging. According to NPR, 80% of Lenire users reported that they would recommend the device to a friend, underscoring its potential benefits.
Ross O’Neil, the founder of Neuromod Devices, the company behind Lenire, emphasized the significance of this development in tinnitus treatment. “It’s not a cure, what Lenire is is a significant step forward in terms of the standards of care. It’s the first and only one that’s been approved by the FDA on the basis of clinical data.”
This approval marks a notable milestone in the management of tinnitus, offering a new standard of care for a condition that has long been challenging to treat effectively.
The device operates by shifting the brain’s focus away from the tinnitus sounds. Brian Fligor, an audiologist and consultant involved in Lenire’s development, described this process as akin to moving a ‘spotlight’ on a stage from one actor to another.
While users rarely report that the tinnitus sounds disappear entirely, the device has proven to be life-changing for many. NPR recounted the experience of Victoria Banks, a singer-songwriter and working musician, who found that Lenire enabled her to return to her career in music, including singing, writing, and performing.
Fligor pointed out what while Lenire is not a ‘cure-all,’ it serves as a reliable ‘go-to’ option for many, particularly older patients seeking relief from tinnitus. The typical treatment regimen with Lenire involves a 12-week program, with users employing the device for one hour each day.
Bank explained to NPR, a refresher session can also help manage the recurrence of symptoms, suggesting that ongoing use of the device can sustain its benefits.
Lenire’s development represent a significant advancement in the field of tinnitus treatment, providing a new tool for managing a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The device’s combination of auditory and somatosensory stimulation is a novel approach that harnesses the brain’s natural plasticity to mitigate the effects of tinnitus. This dual-mode therapy works by delivering synchronized stimuli that help retrain the brain’s neural pathways, thereby reducing the prominence of tinnitus sounds.
The journey to develop Lenire was rigorous, involving extensive research and clinical testing to ensure its safety and efficacy. Neuromod Devices conducted several studies to understand the optimal parameters for the device’s use, including the frequency and intensity of the electrical stimulation and the type of auditory stimuli most effective in conjunction with it. These studies demonstrated that the combination of these stimuli could significantly reduce the severity of tinnitus symptoms for many users.
For those suffering from tinnitus, the impact on quality of life can be profound, affecting concentration, sleep, and overall mental health. Traditional treatments for tinnitus have included various forms of sound therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and medication, but these approaches often provide limited relief.
Lenire offers a new hope for individuals who have struggled to find effective treatment, with its non-invasive and user-friendly design making it accessible for daily use.
See more about this life-changing device in the video below:
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