Relief is now available for seniors with a distressing hearing condition
Relief from tinnitus – a hearing condition which severely affects 1 in 50 Australians, including many seniors – is now available by way of a clinically proven treatment that helps manage the condition.

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

Tinnitus may get progressively worse in the senior years as a result of hearing loss associated with the aging process, but studies show that 9 out of 10 tinnitus sufferers are offered no treatment.

Tinnitus can be especially debilitating for seniors, with many feeling that the condition is preventing them from leading a normal life, but this 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 music program over several months for 2-3 hours a day through the headphones of a Processor the size and shape of a mobile phone.

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

The treatment program also includes ongoing counselling, which encourages all users – particularly seniors - to get as active as possible while using the Processor, as the better a person feels in general the less focused they are on the sound of their tinnitus.

Dr Peter Hanley, Chief Executive Office of Neuromonics, says: “The treatment program offers great relief from the distress caused by tinnitus and helps reverse the negative impact it often has on everyday activities and family and social life.”

“While we can’t predict the results for everyone, our clinical trials have shown that over 90% of those who had completed treatment reported relief from their tinnitus and an improved ability to fall asleep,” 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, and includes an interactive and progressive program of care with specialist Neuromonics clinicians.

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.

Tinnitus can be caused by measured hearing loss, exposure to loud noises such as working in noisy environments, middle ear and sinus infections, severe neck injury, migraines, meningitis, mastoiditis, cochlear damage and a family history of hearing loss.

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

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