How Lenire is Changing the Game in Tinnitus Treatment
Tinnitus
Millions of people around the world are affected by tinnitus – a phantom sound inside the head, such as ringing, buzzing, or roaring, that has no external source. For some, tinnitus can be ignored. For others, it can cause enough problems to interfere with daily life. The FDA has recently approved a neuromodulation device, the first of its kind, for use in the treatment of tinnitus. This device is called Lenire, a product made by Neuromod.
Traditionally, hearing aids or masking sounds are used for tinnitus treatment. This can be especially useful for people who have tinnitus that is caused by hearing loss, as the hearing aid will act as a masker as well as help with hearing and understanding. However, this is typically a temporary solution that works only while wearing the hearing aids, and for those who have tinnitus and no underlying hearing loss, this can be a costly option. Finally, there is another solution: Lenire.
What is Lenire?
Lenire is a device that uses bimodal, (two modes), of neuromodulation, or nerve stimulation, in order to adjust body and brain activity to improve tinnitus. This can not only lessen the volume of the tinnitus, but also calm the brain’s sensitivity and the body’s reaction to the sound. By providing two sources of stimulation, the brain will stop focusing solely on the tinnitus, and weaken the pathways that cause such adverse reactions such as distress, anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances.
Using Lenire
Before starting treatment, a tinnitus assessment and hearing test will be completed by an audiologist or other specialized healthcare professional. The Lenire will then be customized and fitted based on a patient’s personalized results.
The first mode, or type, of stimulation is sound. This typically consists of calming music and is delivered by wireless, noise-canceling headphones. The second mode of stimulation is called the Tonguetip. This is a small device that is placed on top of the tongue, and delivers multiple, mild pulses. There is also a controller that can be used to adjust the pulse timing and intensity, as well as audio volume.
The Lenire is typically used twice a day for 30 minutes, and length of use will vary based on ongoing progress and provider recommendations. Initial clinical studies have shown subjective improvement in tinnitus in 70-90% of participants, as well as continued improvement for 12 months following treatment.
With its innovative approach, Lenire offers new hope to those living with tinnitus, transforming what was once an unmanageable condition into one with promising solutions. As advancements in technology continue to unfold, the future of tinnitus management looks brighter than ever.
Featured image: Patient using Neuromod’s Lenire bimodal neuromodulation tinnitus treatment device. Photos: Neuromod
References:
Hamilton, M. (2024, September 5). Real-world study measures Lenire’s effectiveness in treating tinnitus. The Hearing Review. https://hearingreview.com/hearing-loss/tinnitus/tinnitus-therapy/real-world-study-measures-lenires-effectiveness-in-treating-tinnitus
Lenire ® – tinnitus treatment using bimodal neuromodulation. Lenire®. (2024, September 20). https://www.lenire.com/
McMahan, E. E., & Lim, H. H. (2024). Effectiveness of Bimodal Neuromodulation for Tinnitus Treatment in a Real-World Clinical Setting in United States: A Retrospective Chart Review. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.08.22.24312175
