Our own Dr. Fligor was among the first to use this innovative option
Over 11% of people in the U.S. and potentially as many as 1 in 3 worldwide may have tinnitus (ringing in the ears or head), but only a fraction of those experiencing it seek relief. The “phantom” noises can range from barely noticeable or mildly annoying to debilitating, interfering with everyday life, but some may resign to live with the problem or not realize it could be effectively managed.
An innovative treatment called “Lenire” has made a difference for many patients and has garnered media coverage including a recent Reuters news story. As the news segment shows, you don’t have to live with tinnitus symptoms. And as one of the first 14 U.S. providers to be trained in evaluating and fitting Lenire devices, our own Dr. Brian Fligor is helping change lives for the better.
What Is Lenire?
The Lenire system — the first and only tinnitus treatment of its kind to receive U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval — is a two-pronged system using headphone-based sound therapy and electrical tongue stimulation to deliver relief. The process, bimodal neuromodulation, works to redirect the brain’s focus from the offending noise, lessening the perceived intrusion.
Leveraging the brain’s adaptive abilities plays an important role in the breakthrough treatment. According to audiologist Shahrzad Cohen in the Reuters video: “The brain has the power to heal itself, and we are taking advantage of that power by introducing this signal — the two signals from two different stimulations, the tongue stimulation as well as the hearing.”
Does Lenire Work?
There isn’t yet an overall tinnitus cure, but solutions such as Lenire can provide proven relief. At Tobias & Battite Hearing Wellness, our internal evaluation showed over 70% of our patients using Lenire have had a clinically significant reduction in tinnitus symptoms. These results align with more than 80% of participants in Lenire’s first clinical trial reporting symptom-severity reduction after a 12-week treatment.
Though not a cure, Lenire offers hope to many. Said Dr. Ross O’Neill, founder of Neuromod Devices and a principal inventor: “What Lenire is is a significant step forward in terms of the standards of care. It’s the first and only treatment that has been approved by the FDA on the basis of clinical data. So we believe it’s a significant step forward in terms of tinnitus treatment.”
What Should You Do?
Effective tinnitus management can depend on the underlying cause. Treatment options can include bimodal neuromodulation using the Lenire system, earwax removal, use of hearing assistive technology, medication adjustments, lifestyle changes, tinnitus retraining therapy, or other help — including, in rare situations, surgery.
Determining whether the Lenire solution is right for you or a loved one experiencing tinnitus starts with a comprehensive hearing evaluation. Our expert audiologist trained in the technology can perform diagnostics — including ruling out any underlying conditions — and prepare a personalized treatment plan for your specific needs.
So don’t wait. To learn more about this exciting innovation or to schedule a consultation, visit our Lenire page today!