Colorado Tinnitus and Hearing Center |
Neuromonics – Things You Should Know;
I have been told there is nothing that can be done for tinnitus, what has changed?
Over the last decade or so, understanding of the various causes and factors that contribute to tinnitus perception and disturbance has improved tremendously. The role of the auditory pathways in the brain, as well as the role of the limbic and autonomic systems (emotional responses), has now been widely recognized. Based on this new understanding, the Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment offers a new choice in the treatment of tinnitus, one whose effectiveness has now been validated in clinical trials involving hundreds of people with tinnitus.
What type of treatment is the Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment?
Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment is an acoustic based treatment together with assessment, monitoring, support and education from our tinnitus specialist, either Dr. Patty Kalmbach or Dr. Lisa Evans-Smith, over a six month program.
How can I fit in treatment if I am working?
Since the Neuromonics Processor is lightweight and compact (approximately the same size and weight of a modern mobile phone), it is easy to carry around. Treatment is provided at comfortable listening levels so that it can be used in the course of normal daily activities, including work. Listening time does not need to be all at once, but can be broken up into several sessions during the day and fitted into travel, lunch or quiet work times. The appearance of the Neuromonics Processor is designed to be compact and non-conspicuous, so you can easily be listening to treatment, and no one need know.
Can I have the Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment even if I use a hearing aid?
It is possible to use the Neuromonics Processor independently of your hearing aid during quiet times i.e., when you are reading or trying to sleep. We would be able to work out the most appropriate timing with you. You may have an improved ability to use your hearing aid after completing the Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment, as your loudness sensitivity is likely to improve.
Is this a treatment for life?
Clinical trials have shown that after a period of approximately six months, people find that they no longer need to use the Neuromonics Processor as frequently or for as long each day. As treatment progresses and users become desensitized to their tinnitus, they also develop sufficient understanding of their tinnitus to know how best to use their Processor. For some, this may be as little as a few hours each week.
Why does treatment take 6 months?
The treatment involves an acoustic signal which targets the neural pathways in the brain to reprogram them to filter out the sound of your tinnitus. The process occurs gradually over a number of months
Why can’t I just use my MP3 player?
Although normal music may provide a distraction from tinnitus, it is not a treatment with long term benefits. With the Neuromonics treatment, the music is spectrally modified and customized with an embedded neural stimulus based upon the patient’s tinnitus and audiological profile. Through research, we are aware of the importance of auditory stimulation of high frequencies; this stimulation is not possible with MP3 Players because the sound files stored in MP3s are clipped. Additionally, music on an MP3 Player is not customized for the individual’s hearing profile. Due to the customization of the Neuromonics device, it is able to provide acoustic stimulation to a wide range of auditory pathways at comfortable and safe listening volumes.
Can I just purchase the Neuromonics Processor by itself?
No. The Neuromonics device is a Class II medical device, regulated by the FDA and requires a prescription from a trained clinician. Through research and clinical trials, it has been shown that in order to get the full benefits of the Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment, a program of support, monitoring and education is required. This support program from our specialist clinician includes adjustment of the acoustic stimulus through the two stages of the treatment, education as to the most appropriate times to use your Processor, advice on aspects of your lifestyle that may negatively impact your tinnitus and regular checks with reports back to you on your progress through treatment. The Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment is designed specifically to target the neurological, audiological, and psychological basis of tinnitus. The Neuromonics Treatment regimen is customized to each patient’s unique hearing and tinnitus profile and scheduled appointments are required to complete the treatment.
Neuromonics wants to ensure that everyone who undertakes the Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment gets the best possible outcomes from their treatment, so we don’t provide the Neuromonics Processor by itself or through the internet. This program must be administered by an Audiologist who has undergone special training from Neuromonics.
How can I make an appointment for my Neuromonics Evaluation?
Please call our clinic at 303-534-0163 to schedule a consultation or a tinnitus assessment. This will require about 90 minutes and can be scheduled at your convenience, and we do keep Saturday hours as needed by our out-of-area patients. You can also email Dr. Lisa Evans-Smith or Dr. Patty Kalmbach at www.coloradotinnitus@aol.com.
We will perform a complete diagnostic auditory evaluationas well as a detailed case history before qualifying you for the program. Test results can be forwarded to your medical providers as requested. We prefer to receive all previous hearing tests, and medical notes or reports related to your tinnitus prior to your first visit. If you have had a previous MRI, we would like to have a copy of that report.
Please ask your current providers to send the copies to:
Colorado Tinnitus and Hearing Center, Inc.
2390 South Downing Street Suite D
Denver, Colorado 80210
303-534-0163 or Fax# 303-534-0179
Does Insurance cover the evaluation?
Most insurance companies do not pay for tinnitus treatment as of yet. Some may pay for the initial evaluation, so be sure to check to see if you require a referral or have met your deductible for this calendar year. Please bring your insurance card and all info including insurer billing address along to your first appointment. It will be difficult to convince insurers to cover the cost of the device especially since this is a new therapy in the USA. However, we have had treatment approved and paid for by Workmen’s Compensation and Vocational Rehabilitation. We are more than happy to write a pre-determination letter to your insurance company to see if they may consider covering the Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment. Medical savings accounts or Flex Accounts are most often the most appropriate way to set up coverage for the program.
How many times will I need to be seen in the office?
For the Neuromonics Program, there are the must-do visits to create a successful therapy protocol:
1) Initial evaluation, 90 minutes (Hearing Test and Tinnitus assessment)
2) Fitting visit, about 7 to 10 days later, requires 60-90 minutes
3) Changing programs visit, 8-10 weeks after the fitting visit. We complete another hearing evaluation and assessment at this point in time to monitor progress. These tests are included in the overall price of treatment.
4) Outcome assessment visit, 24-30 weeks after the fitting visit, to determine final improvements using tests and lab measurements.
In between these four visits, there will be scheduled phone and email appointments to provide information, counseling, support, advice, and suggestions. If you need further support or guidance, you may be scheduled to be seen in the office for a one-on-one appointment with the Audiologist. Both Dr. Lisa Evans-Smith and Dr. Patty Kalmbach are very encouraging and compassionate and have very good rapport with patients. We approach treatment as a team, working with you every step of the way to achieve the best outcome. All patients are given Dr. Lisa Evans-Smith’s and Dr. Patty Kalmbach’s personal cell phones to reach them at anytime.
You may want to refer to these articles:
The New York Times; http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/01/health/research/01tinn.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=tinnitus&st=nyt&oref=slogin
ABC New Good Morning America; http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnCall/Story?id=4599872&page=1
The Wall Street Journal; http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120459518248309265.html