Bimodal Neuromodulation
Tinnitus is caused by abnormal activation of the auditory areas of the brain responsible for hearing. Bimodal neuromodulation is an innovative procedure designed to bring about long-term changes in the brain and reduce the severity of tinnitus. It is based on the simultaneous delivery of auditory and lingual sensory stimuli, both of which are projected onto the auditory brain areas and, thanks to the mechanism of neuronal plasticity, bring about a lasting attenuation of tinnitus, so that it is no longer perceived as a nuisance. Its effectiveness has been demonstrated by several large-scale clinical studies conducted by leading university teams. Otoneuro Monaco is the first otoneurology center in France approved by the NEUROMOD company (LENIRE process) to prescribe and monitor bimodal neuromodulation treatment.
The way the brain works is constantly evolving and is sensitive to the condition of the brain itself (depending on the pathologies that may affect it) and to the information it receives from all the sensory organs. This phenomenon is known as neuronal plasticity.
How does this treatment work?
Tinnitus is caused in the central auditory pathways and hearing areas of the brain by an overactivity of the neurons responsible for hearing. Advances in knowledge of the brain have revealed that a lot of non-auditory information is also projected onto the auditory areas and modulates their functioning (emotions, sensory information from the face and neck region, vagus nerve, etc.).
This has given rise to an innovative therapy for the treatment of tinnitus, bimodal neuromodulation, which uses a combination of auditory stimulation and stimulation by gentle electrical impulses via the tongue, which also project onto the auditory areas.
The auditory stimulation provided by LENIRE consists of a series of personalised sounds that are presented to patients via headphones. Electrical stimulation is applied using a small portable device that sends gentle electrical impulses via a lingual electrode.
Exploiting the mechanism of neuronal plasticity, this therapy induces a reduction in the hyperactivity of the neurons responsible for tinnitus, thanks to the combined stimulation of the auditory areas and another sensory modality that projects onto the auditory areas.
LENIRE has been tested in controlled clinical trials and has shown satisfactory results in the treatment of chronic tinnitus. Patients reported a significant reduction in tinnitus severity and a sustained improvement in quality of life.
However, as with any neuromodulation therapy, results may vary from patient to patient and an individual evaluation is recommended to determine whether LENIRE is an appropriate treatment option.
How is an evaluation of LENIRE performed?
The first step is a comprehensive assessment of the tinnitus patient.
If there is a good indication for treatment with LENIRE, the patient makes an appointment for an initial visit where the device will be adjusted according to the patient’s hearing and tinnitus characteristics. The patient will also receive all the necessary explanations for the correct use of the device.
The patient will then receive two follow-up visits as part of their treatment, during which the results of the treatment will be evaluated and the device settings adjusted.
The patient will continue to use the device and will be reviewed at his or her request to monitor the tinnitus.
How much does the LENIRE treatment cost?
The total cost of a LENIRE treatment is 3,000 Euro. This amount includes:
- The initial medical examination, which costs 200 EUR and can be reimbursed by certain health insurances.
- The purchase of the equipment (to be made from the LENIRE company using an order form provided by our centre) and the three subsequent visits, which cost 2800 euros and are not currently reimbursed by insurance companies.
