A novel device called Lenire is demonstrating significant success in reducing the debilitating symptoms of tinnitus, a condition affecting hundreds of millions worldwide. The treatment, which uses a combination of sounds played through headphones and electrical stimulation delivered to the tongue via a device in the mouth, aims to retrain the brain to ignore the internal ringing, buzzing, or roaring sounds.
Early user testimonials and clinical studies suggest the device can offer substantial relief, with some users experiencing near-complete remission of symptoms. Jim Gray, a 75-year-old retired journalist, described the device as his "last shot" after trying numerous unproven remedies. He reported a dramatic reduction in his tinnitus within three days of using Lenire, with symptoms almost entirely gone after three months.
Tinnitus, characterized by phantom sounds in one or both ears, affects an estimated 750 million people globally, including around seven million in the UK. While some cases are temporary and linked to treatable causes like ear infections or wax buildup, approximately 1.5 million individuals experience long-term, persistent tinnitus. This chronic form is often associated with age-related hearing loss or damage from prolonged exposure to loud noise.
Existing treatments primarily focus on managing symptoms rather than providing a cure. These include talking therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, as well as sound-masking devices that use background noise to make tinnitus less noticeable. Lenire presents a different approach by actively stimulating the trigeminal nerve, a major nerve in the head that connects to the auditory centers of the brain.
Clinical trials and real-world studies have indicated high success rates for Lenire. A 2022 trial involving 450 participants found that 90% reported symptom reduction after six weeks, with these results sustained over the following year. More recent studies, including a real-world evaluation of 140 patients, showed over 80% experiencing significant improvement after 12 weeks. Another study in Alaska involving 212 individuals found that 91.5% reported significant improvement, with a substantial decrease in those experiencing severe to catastrophic tinnitus.
Dr. Ross O’Neill, founder and inventor of Lenire, explained the device's mechanism: "We hypothesised that if we could pair sounds similar in pitch and frequency to tinnitus noise that patients are experiencing with nerve stimulation, through the tongue tip, we might be able to rewire the brain to dampen the condition." He added that the device "subconsciously grabs the brain’s attention away from the tinnitus," noting that real-world effects have sometimes exceeded trial results.
Audiologists using the device have observed its effectiveness, particularly in individuals with moderate to severe tinnitus. Jordon Thompson, an audiologist at Harley Street Hearing, noted that while Lenire can be effective for various tinnitus sub-types, its impact is generally more pronounced in those with more severe conditions. Experts suggest this may be due to the higher level of distress and desperation in these patients, making them more receptive to a tangible technological solution.
However, the device is not suitable for everyone. Patients with implants such as pacemakers or cochlear implants are typically excluded. Further medical assessment is required for individuals with oral infections, head and neck pain, or conditions causing fainting.
Alison Moore, 62, shared her experience after developing sudden, loud tinnitus following a swim. After initial misdiagnosis, she found Lenire and reported a marked difference within four months, feeling she had regained control over her condition. Although she experiences occasional slight relapses, the noise is significantly quieter than before treatment.
Currently, Lenire is available privately in the UK, costing around £3,500 and accessible at approximately 20 clinics. Tinnitus UK has rated the device highly for safety and effectiveness compared to no treatment. The developers aim for broader accessibility, including potential approval for use on the National Health Service (NHS).
Tinnitus cases have reportedly risen by 50% in the past two decades, with contributing factors including an aging population, stress, and increased use of headphones and earbuds. Experts caution that listening to music at high volumes, around 80 decibels, can pose a risk to hearing and contribute to the condition.