Relief now available for Local Government employees with distressing condition
Relief from tinnitus – a condition which severely affects 1 in 50 Australians and potentially many local Government employees – is now available by way of a clinically proven treatment that reduces the symptoms of the condition.

People with tinnitus ‘hear’ sounds that are not present in the external environment and that other people can’t hear, including ringing in the ears, and buzzing, humming, roaring or whistling background noises.

Tinnitus is often caused by hearing loss resulting from exposure to loud noises, so those working for local Governments on road works, maintenance, garbage removal and in other roles which involve daily exposure to noisy equipment and machinery, can often develop the condition.

As well as causing considerable distress and having an adverse affect on work, family and social life, many tinnitus sufferers find exposure to loud noises very painful, causing problems for those who have to work where loud noise levels are the norm.

While studies show that 9 out of 10 tinnitus sufferers are offered no treatment, a new treatment brings reduced awareness of tinnitus and offers hope for restored sleep, enhanced relaxation, and improved tolerance of loud noises.

The Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment involves listening to a specially designed acoustic program over several months for around two hours a day through the headphones of a medical device the size and shape of a mobile phone, and includes an interactive and progressive program of care with specialist Neuromonics clinicians.

The discreet compact size and portability of the device means it can be easily integrated into the user’s everyday routine, minimising the impact on their working lives.

Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment works by desensitising users to their tinnitus through customised stimulation of the auditory pathways affected by hearing loss or tinnitus.

Dr Peter Hanley, Chief Executive Office of Neuromonics, says: “As well as offering great relief from the distress caused by tinnitus, this treatment allows users to get on with their daily lives, even while listening to the device.”

“While we can’t predict the results for everyone, our clinical trials have shown that over 90% of those who had completed treatment experienced a significant reduction in the disturbance caused by their tinnitus and an improved ability to fall asleep, and 60% had a significant improvement in their tolerance of loud noises,” says Dr Hanley.

Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment is based on over a decade of research into the effect of various sounds or ‘acoustic stimuli’ on tinnitus.

The first step for tinnitus sufferers considering this new treatment is to have an assessment of their hearing and tinnitus at a specialist Neuromonics Tinnitus Clinic to find out if it is suitable for them.

Neuromonics currently has clinics offering treatment in Sydney and Perth, with plans to expand around Australia early in 2005, and eventually make it available in the USA and Europe.

Neuromonics can be contacted on 1300 367 907, or via their website at www.neuromonics.com.

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Released for Neuromonics by Dennis Rutzou Public Relations.
For further information please call Dennis Rutzou
or Marie Tritsaris on (02) 9413 4244.