The Augustana College Barbara A. Roseman Center for Speech, Language, and Hearing is offering a tinnitus treatment. The FDA-approved Lenire treatment device combines audio and mild tongue pulses to target brain nerves.
Dr. Ann Perreau, associate professor of communication sciences and disorders and the Audiology Clinic coordinator, explains how the treatment works. “Certain cells are being targeted with this treatment to relieve tinnitus. The two ways that it stimulates is with headphones, so we have sounds that are being presented to both ears and then that's combined with the electrical stimulation delivered to the surface of the tongue.”
Augustana is one of the first clinics in Illinois to provide this treatment. The device was FDA-approved in 2023.
Perreau says the treatment is effective for patients. “We do see that about 70% of people see a significant reduction in their tinnitus, kind of in how they react to their tinnitus. Nine out of ten patients will recommend linear for someone else with tinnitus. So that suggests that it is, you know, a good treatment and it's preferred by patients.”
When receiving the Lenire treatment, an audiologist will consult the patient to improve its reaction. Supervised students in the CSD department assist throughout the treatment.
If eligible, the Lenire treatment costs $3,500 for a five-week session. The treatment isn’t approved by insurance.
People can request an assessment by visiting the Augustana website.