By Andrew Liszewski
As far as I know there’s no real cure for Tinnitus, but a company called Neuromonics claims to have created an effective treatment that will reduce the symptoms almost immediately and provide some level of long-term relief. At the core of the treatment is the Oasis audio device which plays specifically designed music that’s embedded with a “pleasant acoustic neural stimulus.” These sounds, which are customized for every patient based on their audiological profile, stimulate the auditory pathway to promote neural plastic changes. And over time it’s these new connections that help the brain filter out the tinnitus disturbance. So as far as I can tell the process doesn’t cure the problem, it just trains your brain to ignore it.
The treatments usually last for 6 months, and during the first 2 months you’ll need to listen to the device for about 2 hours or longer every day. During the last 4 months that duration will gradually decrease, and once the treatment is over you may never need to use it again depending on your results. The Oasis device isn’t FDA approved since it’s basically just an audio player, but you will need to be referred by your doctor in order to receive the treatments. And if it’s not covered by your health insurance you’ll need to fork out between $3,500 to $6,000 for the treatments.
If you’re curious what Tinnitus sounds like you can actually listen to some samples on the Neuromonics website. However I recommend turning down your speakers or headphones, as I’m sure listening to the samples at full volume didn’t help my hearing at all.
[ Neuromonics Oasis ] VIA [ Medgadget ]
Finally find a promising treatment for a condition that has been driving me mad for years and I can’t afford it. You’re no different than the money grubbing drug companies – thanks for nothing.
Uh, just so we’re clear here, we don’t actually manufacture or sell this device. We just report about various gadgets and electronics. Are there people out there who still don’t understand the concept of a gadget blog?
Andrew, for the record, I delete about five emails a day from people asking similar questions: “can I buy in bulk? Will you ship to China? Can you give me discount?” It would be funny if it wasn’t so sad.
Thank you for reporting on this gadget. I have been using the device for about 4 months. I suffer from tinnitus as a result of having Meniere's disease. I did not experience any “immediate” relief but my physician told me not to expect relief for months anyway. I am starting to notice some improvement but when my Meniere's is disease is flaring up, it all comes roaring back. I am going to continue with the device for another 4-6 months to give it every opportunity to reprogram my brain. For the price I paid, I can't afford not to. I will try to remember to report back if it all suddenly goes away.
Thank you for reporting on this gadget. I have been using the device for about 4 months. I suffer from tinnitus as a result of having Meniere's disease. I did not experience any “immediate” relief but my physician told me not to expect relief for months anyway. I am starting to notice some improvement but when my Meniere's is disease is flaring up, it all comes roaring back. I am going to continue with the device for another 4-6 months to give it every opportunity to reprogram my brain. For the price I paid, I can't afford not to. I will try to remember to report back if it all suddenly goes away.
Thank you for reporting on this gadget. I have been using the device for about 4 months. I suffer from tinnitus as a result of having Meniere's disease. I did not experience any “immediate” relief but my physician told me not to expect relief for months anyway. I am starting to notice some improvement but when my Meniere's is disease is flaring up, it all comes roaring back. I am going to continue with the device for another 4-6 months to give it every opportunity to reprogram my brain. For the price I paid, I can't afford not to. I will try to remember to report back if it all suddenly goes away.
Does this device cure chronic tinnitus also…