2. Tinnitus Treatment
3. FAQs

FAQs

Frequently asked questions about Acoustic CR® Neuromodulation

How effective is Acoustic CR® Neuromodulation?

An extensive clinical study in 2010 and further patient evaluations in 2011 have shown that Acoustic CR® Neuromodulation significantly reduces tinnitus symptoms in 7 out of 10 people where the patient’s tinnitus was suitable for the treatment (see below).

How many patients have been treated with Acoustic CR® Neuromodulation?

Acoustic CR® Neuromodulation has been used to treat over 2000 people with tinnitus since early 2010. Several of these people have shared their stories in our case studies section.

How can I determine if I am suitable for Acoustic CR® Neuromodulation treatment?

We would need to conduct an initial assessment to determine your suitability for treatment. If you have tonal (whistling, ringing or humming), chronic, subjective tinnitus within a certain frequency range (200 Hz – 10 KHz) you are likely to be suitable.

Patients with Menière's disease, acoustic hallucinations, symptomatic hearing disorders, brain stem diseases, psychiatric disorders and other insufficiently treated severe comorbidities are excluded from treatment. Furthermore, the application is not suitable for people with pulsatile, objective tinnitus, or people suffering from tinnitus on account of temporomandibular disease.

You must be able to hear the acoustic treatment stimuli for the treatment to be successful. Patients with a severe hearing impairment should therefore carry out hearing tests with one of our audiologists prior to starting treatment.

If we find that you are unsuitable for the tinnitus treatment package with Acoustic CR® Neuromodulation, our audiologists will discuss an alternative treatment option for you.

How can I be referred for the initial assessment?

You may refer yourself by contacting The Tinnitus Clinic, or you may be referred by your GP, ENT physician or Audiologist.

What will the initial assessment involve?

In your initial 90 minute appointment, you will be assessed by a qualified and skilled audiologist. He or she will conduct a thorough audiological evaluation to help us determine your suitability for treatment. The assessment will also bring to light any additional issues that may warrant further investigations.

More information about the assessment and treatment process

Can I bring a family member to my appointments?

Yes, you are welcome to bring a family member with you.

Can I continue the assessment and treatment process if...

I have wax in my ears?
If wax is present we would need to determine if wax removal is needed. If this is the case we will refer you to your GP or ENT physician.

I have a perforated ear drum?
This depends on the results of our diagnostic tests.

I have had ear surgery in the past?
We would need to determine what surgery was done. Provided you are able to hear the stimulation tones and there are no other contra-indications to treatment you should be able to commence Acoustic CR® Neuromodulation treatment.

I have hearing loss or wear hearing aids?
Provided you are able to hear the stimulation tones you will be suitable for the treatment.

I cannot locate which ear my tinnitus is in?
In this case we would stimulate both ears.

I have more than one tinnitus tone?
It is possible under some circumstances to treat multi-tone tinnitus with Acoustic CR® Neuromodulation by treating each tone individually. A full assessment would be needed to confirm how treatment might progress.

What happens if…

I experience both depression and tinnitus?
We will administer a number of validated screening questionnaires to determine the severity of your depression. If you require management for depression or anxiety we will make an onward referral to your GP or to a specialist. We may want you to start treatment for this prior to commencing with Acoustic CR® Neuromodulation treatment.

I have both hyperacusis and tinnitus?
We would first start processing the hyperacusis. If Acoustic CR® Neuromodulation treatment is perceived as pleasant, therapy can proceed. Thereafter treatment options for hyperacusis will be provided. If you find that you are unable to tolerate Acoustic CR® Neuromodulation treatment due to hyperacusis we may need to treat the hyperacusis first.

What if I have sudden onset tinnitus?

In all cases of sudden onset or unilateral (in one ear) tinnitus we would make an onward referral to an ENT physician for further investigations.

If I’m suitable for Acoustic CR® Neuromodulation, what will happen next?

We will arrange a suitable time for your next appointment which can be within 1-2 weeks or later if preferred. For more information about this and the follow up appointments see our treatment process page.

What happens if I lose the device?

If you lose the device you will be liable for the cost of a replacement. We would recommend that you insure your device.

If I find that the treatment doesn’t work for me, can I get my money back?

Within the first 8 weeks of treatment, if you find your results are unsatisfactory, you can obtain a partial refund. Full conditions of this refund are described in your contract.