Our Own Dr. Fligor Shared Exciting Findings at a Research Conference
If ringing, buzzing, or other seemingly phantom noises in your ears or head have you feeling frustrated or worse, many others can relate. In the Unites States alone, chronic bothersome tinnitus affects approximately 20 million people — and an estimated 2 million live with debilitating levels of the condition — making effective solutions critical.
The good news? The Lenire® system, an innovative solution for tackling tinnitus, is giving relief to people suffering from unwanted sounds. Our own Dr. Brian Fligor, president and audiologist-in-chief at Tobias & Battite Hearing Wellness, recently presented exciting findings about the Lenire treatment at the Tinnitus Research Initiative Annual Conference in Vancouver, Canada.
Redirecting the Brain
Tinnitus treatment has involved approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy and hearing aids. Some people benefit from a combination of the two methods — tinnitus retraining therapy — but outcomes aren’t extensively documented in scientific literature.
As one of the first 14 U.S. clinics to be trained in evaluating patients for candidacy on using the Lenire tinnitus treatment device, Tobias & Battite Hearing Wellness has seen this therapy provide excellent outcomes.
Lenire is the first and only system of its kind to receive U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval to treat moderate or greater tinnitus. It involves a two-pronged system using headphone-based sound therapy and electrical tongue stimulation. The process, bimodal neuromodulation, works to redirect the brain’s focus from the offending noise, lessening the perceived intrusion.
Demonstrating Success
As an at-home therapy device, Lenire is used one hour daily for 12 weeks. Treatment also includes routine follow-ups with the prescribing audiologist during the 12-week protocol. In reviewing outcomes from our first 88 patients treated with Lenire since May 2023, Dr. Fligor was able to report some exciting news at the conference, including:
- At 6 weeks after the start of Lenire therapy, 64.8% of patients already met the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) for tinnitus improvement.
- At 12 weeks (nominal completion of therapy), 76.2% of patients had achieved at least the MCID.
- Even in patients with mild tinnitus, a majority saw a reduction in symptoms significant enough to meet MCID.
- The more severe the tinnitus, the greater the degree of patient improvement from Lenire use.
- No patients had worsening tinnitus symptoms relative to baseline, and none experienced serious adverse events.
- Patients were highly compliant with treatment (over 90% compliance for the 12-week treatment) and described the treatment sessions as “relaxing and enjoyable.”
In sum, bimodal neuromodulation with the Lenire system was found to be strongly effective in treating chronic bothersome tinnitus. Even more encouraging, the findings were consistent with three clinical trials sponsored by Lenire maker Neuromod. The treatment’s success suggests promise for a well-tolerated therapy to significantly reduce tinnitus severity.
Getting Timely Help
Effective tinnitus management can depend on the underlying cause, and treatments range from earwax removal, use of hearing assistive technology, or sound devices to medication adjustments, lifestyle changes, tinnitus retraining therapy, or other help — including, in rare situations, surgery. Relief might also come in the form of the groundbreaking solution Lenire.
Determining whether Lenire is right for you or a loved one experiencing tinnitus starts with a comprehensive hearing evaluation. Our expert audiologists trained in the technology can perform diagnostics — including ruling out any underlying conditions — and prepare a personalized treatment plan for your specific needs.
Did you know? Hearing loss is present in about 90% of tinnitus cases and is considered a primary contributor to the condition. If you have hearing difficulty or experience ringing, buzzing, or clicking in the head or ears, please contact our expert team for an appointment. We’re HEAR to help!