FAQs
I have been told there is nothing that can be done for tinnitus. What has changed?
Over the last decade or so, understanding of the various causes and factors that contribute to tinnitus perception and disturbance has improved tremendously. It is now understood that tinnitus is not a hearing problem, but it is a neurologically-based condition. Utilizing neuroplasticity, the Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment stimulates the auditory pathway with the intention of promoting new neural connections that allow the brain to help filter out the tinnitus perception, thus reducing the disturbance and impact of tinnitus.
I’ve tried lots of things, spent lots of money and nothing has worked! Why should I believe that Neuromonics will work?
It can be frustrating to invest your time and money in a treatment that hasn’t worked for you. Clinicians are trained to offer the Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment, with the only medical device with FDA clearance to be commercially distributed. The Neuromonics device is patented, customized and clinically proven for long-term significant relief of tinnitus. With research and development beginning in the early 1990's, the Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment has treated thousands of tinnitus sufferers worldwide. 90% of people involved in the most recent clinical trial for Neuromonics achieved a significant reduction in their disturbance from their tinnitus.
What type of treatment is the Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment?
Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment is an acoustic-based treatment complemented by assessment, monitoring, support and education from a clinician over a six-month period. The Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment is comprehensive, non-invasive and effective – offering proven and significant long-term reduction of tinnitus disturbance.
How can I fit in treatment around my busy lifestyle?
Since the Neuromonics device is lightweight and compact and can be used while conducting most other activities, it is easy to complete treatment requirements without disruption to daily life.
Can I have the Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment even if I use a hearing aid?
Yes. It is possible to use the Neuromonics device independently of your hearing aid during quiet times, for example, when you are reading or trying to sleep. Your clinician will be able to work out the most appropriate timing with you. You may have an improved ability to use your hearing aid after completing the Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment, as your loudness sensitivity is likely to improve. Please note that hearing aids are designed to amplify sound that may improve specific kinds of hearing loss. Because hearing aids amplify sound, the amplification may mask tinnitus; however, the masking is not a long-term improvement for tinnitus disturbance. If the tinnitus can be addressed and improved, a new hearing evaluation is recommended to understand if there is a hearing loss that should be treated with hearing aids.
Can I just purchase the Neuromonics device by itself?
No. The Neuromonics device is a Class II medical device, regulated by the FDA and requires a prescription from a trained clinician. In addition, through research and clinical trials, it has been shown that in order to get the full benefits of the Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment, a program of support, monitoring, and education is required. The Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment is designed specifically to target the neurological processes of tinnitus, specifically its auditory, attentional and emotional aspects. The Neuromonics Treatment regimen is customized to each patient’s unique hearing and tinnitus profile and scheduled appointments are required to complete the treatment.
What if the Treatment does not meet my expectations?
The results from your assessment visit will allow us to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment. A sense of relief while using the treatment may be achieved within 1-30 days of your fitting appointment. If the Treatment does not meet your expectations, your clinician will take a multi-stepped approach to troubleshoot your situation and try to adjust. Your clinician will analyze your usage data report to monitor how and when you are using the device and we will also monitor the function of the device. If it is determined that this is not the best treatment for you, Neuromonics does offer a return option.
Why does the treatment take 6 months?
The treatment involves an acoustic signal which targets the neural pathways in the brain to reprogram them to filter out the sound of your tinnitus. The process occurs gradually over a number of months.
Why can’t I just use my MP3 Player?
Although normal music may provide a distraction from tinnitus, it is not a treatment with long term benefits. With the Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment, the music is spectrally modified and customized with an embedded neural stimulus based upon the patient’s audiological and tinnitus profile. Through research, we are aware of the importance of auditory stimulation at high frequencies; this stimulation is not possible with MP3 Players because the sound files stored in MP3s are clipped. Additionally, music on an MP3 Player is not customized for the individual’s hearing profile. Due to the customization of the Neuromonics device, it is able to provide acoustic stimulation to a wide range of auditory pathways at comfortable and safe listening volumes.