Does Neuromonics Work?

We often ask ourselves does Neuromonics work. Neuromonics is a therapy developed to minimize the mental, physical and emotional repercussions “perceived” as a result of tinnitus. The minds behind Neuromonics use a proprietary type of sound therapy that ostensibly has the support of multiple clinical studies (it’s unclear to me how they were funded, it seems, at least in part, that they were funded by Neuromonics itself with additional grant funds from the VA).

Unfortunately, the idea that disturbances associated with tinnitus are “perceived” is a misconception. As any sufferer with the condition will attest, there is no perception. Tinnitus is a distinct – and real – condition where individuals hear noises directly inside the ear drum. While this is usually some form of buzzing, there are also cases of ringing, hissing and whistling. It can be continuous or intermittent. The condition can go away for a time and return. There is the rare occasion when doctors will hear the sound if they put a stethoscope to the patient’s ear.

Tinnitus is often accompanied by states of dizziness. There can be pain or drainage from the ear. Tinnitus could be a sign of other health issues, including an underactive thyroid, high blood pressure or Meniere’s disease. This makes tinnitus far more than a “perception.” And one has to wonder does Neuromonics work as its initial approach seems to be that tinnitus is something imagined.

Neuromonics administrators admit this treatment not being a good choice for all sufferers. It is only for those with normal or moderate hearing loss. The majority of tinnitus sufferers have no hearing loss at all. Also, according to the site itself, Neuromonics requires between two and, preferably, four hours when the sufferer is relaxed. The therapy cannot work “if you are caught up in the frenetic morning rush hour, if you are jogging on your treadmill, or if you are frazzled with a high stress job and never have a moment to yourself.” We cannot imagine a lifestyle where this is typical. Based on that criteria alone, wondering the question of does Neuromonics work answers itself.

Neuromonics not only asks its patients to live a life of tranquility to get the most out of its treatment, it asks you to pay thousands more than typical treatments. And while a lot of tinnitus suffers have periodic episodes, Neuromonics needs symptoms to be continuous. Lastly, Neuromonics asks its patients to have realistic expectations, that tinnitus may not “miraculously” go away. The truth is there is no cure for tinnitus. Smart clinicians understand treatments are about the management of tinnitus, not the elimination.
<br><hr>

from #Audiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2b2uj5u
via IFTTT