How does the Lenire tinnitus treatment device work?

Tinnitus affects millions of people worldwide, disrupting lives with its persistent and intrusive ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds. For many, it feels like an impossible problem to solve. But at Alto, we’re delighted to be one of the first UK certified providers able to offer something new – treatment of tinnitus with Lenire, a revolutionary treatment device proven to provide long term relief from tinnitus.

So, how does the Lenire device work to relieve tinnitus? In this article, I’ll explore the science behind Lenire and how this new technology fits into the broader landscape of tinnitus treatments.

The Lenire tinnitus treatment device is made up of three portable components:

• Wireless headphones that pair with Lenire’s custom sounds to deliver audio to the part of the brain that processes sound. 
• A small tonguetip® device that sits comfortably in the mouth and sends mild pulses to the surface of the tongue to activate nerves.
• A portable handheld controller that allows you to control the sound volume and tongue stimulation. 

^{The headphones, tonguetip®, and controller that make up the Lenire tinnitus treatment device.}

The Lenire device combines two types of sensory stimulation – gentle electrical stimulation to the tongue and beautiful soundscapes delivered through wireless headphones. These work to stimulate the brain and drive long term relief from tinnitus. This dual-stimulus is known as bimodal neuromodulation.

Bimodal neuromodulation works by targeting the auditory pathways in the brain, which play a critical role in processing sound. For individuals with tinnitus, these pathways can become hyperactive or misaligned, leading to the perception of sounds like ringing, buzzing, or hissing that have no external source.

Bimodal neuromodulation addresses this by:

1. Sound stimulation: specific therapeutic tones, tailored to the patient’s hearing profile, are delivered via headphones. These tones stimulate the auditory system and help recalibrate how the brain processes sound.
2. Tongue stimulation: gentle electrical pulses are delivered to the tongue using a small device. The tongue is rich in sensory nerves connected to areas of the brain involved in auditory processing.

When combined, these two forms of stimulation encourage the brain to “reorganise” its neural pathways, reducing the hyperactivity responsible for tinnitus. This dual-action therapy is why it’s referred to as “bimodal”.

Bimodal neuromodulation relies on neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and change in response to new stimuli. Think of it like rewiring a circuit—over time, repeated stimulation helps the brain learn new, healthier ways to process sound.

In tinnitus treatment, this means:

• Reducing the brain’s sensitivity to tinnitus sounds.
• Helping the brain focus on external sounds rather than internal noise.

Lenire’s unique bimodal neuromodulation is clinically proven to provide relief from tinnitus, with 95% of clinical trial participants reporting improvement in tinnitus severity following just 12 weeks of use. It has also been found to be significantly more effective than sound stimulation only for moderate or worse tinnitus. Learn more about clinical research on the effectiveness of Lenrie.

Lenire’s bimodal neuromodulation is considered groundbreaking because it addresses the underlying neurological processes contributing to tinnitus. Here’s how it compares to other traditional tinnitus treatments:

• Hearing aids work to amplify external sounds, reducing the contrast between tinnitus and background noise. This can help the brain focus less on tinnitus, particularly for individuals with hearing loss.

  Bimodal neuromodulation retrains the brain for longer-lasting results, but can also be combined with hearing aid use where tinnitus is experienced in the context of hearing loss.

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) helps patients manage the emotional and psychological impact of tinnitus. It teaches coping strategies to reduce stress, anxiety, and the perception of tinnitus.

  While CBT focuses on how patients react to tinnitus, Lenire works on reducing the brain’s sensitivity to tinnitus sounds. These approaches can therefore complement each other, with CBT providing emotional support during the Lenire treatment period. Patients whose tinnitus is heavily influenced by stress, anxiety, or insomnia may find CBT particularly beneficial.

• Sound therapy or masking uses soothing sounds or white noise to cover up tinnitus. Lenire incorporates sound therapy, but enhances it with electrical stimulation (bimodal neuromodulation) for greater neuroplastic effects.
• Medications like antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs don’t treat tinnitus directly but can help manage related symptoms, such as stress or sleep disturbances.

  Lenire is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that directly targets the auditory system and provides a good option for patients looking to avoid medications. Patients with severe stress or sleep issues may consider medication alongside Lenire or other therapies as part of a comprehensive plan.

Bimodal neuromodulation is delivered conveniently via the portable Lenire device, which is pain-free and can be used independently at home as part of a personalised treatment plan, supported by a certified provider. Treatment plans typically take 12 to 24 weeks, with consistent daily use recommended for the best results.

1. The Lenire tinnitus treatment device comprises of a tonguetip that delivers mild electrical pulses to the tongue, and headphones that play customised sounds to activate the auditory nerve (bimodal neuromodulation).
2. Bimodal neuromodulation works by driving long-term changes, or neuroplasticity, in the brain to help you pay less attention to your tinnitus.
3. Lenire is backed by clinical evidence, with 95% of clinical trial participants reporting improvement in tinnitus severity following just 12 weeks of use.

Learn more about Lenire by watching our Introducing Lenire video where senior audiologist, Adam Bostock outlines how Lenire works and explains how it forms part of our tinnitus treatment plans here at Alto.

If you’re considering Lenire for your tinnitus, start by booking an assessment with our specialists audiologists. Our team will guide you through the process, ensuring you receive a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Article by Adam Bostock