Tinnitus severely affects 1 in 50 Australians, including many mine workers. People with tinnitus hear sounds that are not really there including ringing in the ears, buzzing, humming, roaring or whistling background noises.

Tinnitus is often caused by hearing loss resulting from exposure to loud noises. Many tinnitus sufferers find exposure to loud noises very painful, causing considerable problems for those who work in mines where loud noise levels are the norm.

A new treatment by Neuromonics involves listening to a specially designed music program over several months for two to three hours a day through the headphones of a Processor the size and shape of a mobile phone.

Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment works by desensitising users to their tinnitus through customised stimulation of the auditory pathways affected by hearing loss or tinnitus.

“While we can’t predict the results for everyone, our clinical trials have shown that over 90% of those who had completed treatment reported relief from their tinnitus and an improved ability to fall asleep, and 60% had at least a five decibel improvement in their tolerance of loud noises,” Neuromonics chief Peter Hanley said.

“It is also vitally important for tinnitus sufferers who work in noisy environments to preserve their current level of hearing by wearing ear protection when working, as further auditory damage can lead to the tinnitus getting worse,” he said.

The first step for tinnitus sufferers considering this new treatment is to have an assessment of their hearing and tinnitus at a specialist Neuromonics Tinnitus Clinic to find out if it is suitable for them.

Neuromonics currently has clinics offering treatment in Sydney and Perth, with plans to expand around Australia early in 2005, and eventually make it available in the USA and Europe.