Multisensory devices for tinnitus and hearing loss: How they work

 

What if you could treat tinnitus or hearing loss via a wearable device?

As unusual as it sounds, that’s the concept behind several new products that aim to help people with hearing loss or tinnitus.

Much like your smartphone can ring and vibrate simultaneously, these bimodal devices stimulate more than just your  auditory system.

Emerging research indicates these products are effective, and can be used alone or in tandem with hearing aids and other treatments.

Let’s take a look at some of the more well-known companies and products:

Multisensory products overview

Neosensory

Neosensory offers a band that can be worn on your wrist, like a watch, which translates sounds into vibrations. They offer the Duo, Clarify or Sound Awareness wristbands. Each of which is used for different hearing needs (see below).

Safewave

Safewave Technology offers a vibrating wristband that you pair with a smartphone app. Their product is specifically designed as a portable alert system for the Deaf community. 

Neuromod

Neuromod offers a non-auditory solution for tinnitus. They are the makers of the Lenire treatment, which was approved by the FDA in March 2023.

How they can help

1. Tinnitus relief

Neosensory's Duo wristband helps users adapt and habituate to tinnitus by training them to focus on external sounds rather than the ringing or buzzing from tinnitus. This version of the wristband is meant to be paired with an app on your smartphone for daily exercises. Bimodal stimulation—such as pairing sound with touch—has been found to diminish tinnitus symptoms for many people. 

Read more: Vibrating wristband and app helps tinnitus sufferers find relief

Neuromod's Lenire device uses sound stimulation (such as ocean-wave sounds) combined with gentle electrical pulses to the tongue to help shift attention away from tinnitus symptoms. Neuromod recommends using the device for a half-hour twice a day for best results.

A clinical trial found that 91% of participants reported a reduction in their tinnitus severity, which continued for a year after treatment. To determine this, researchers used a questionnaire to gauge participants’ well-being, sleep, and overall quality of life before and after treatment.

People who have tinnitus related to hearing loss can use these products in conjunction with hearing aids. However, the Duo and Lenire may be especially effective for people who have normal hearing yet still struggle with tinnitus.

2. Improved speech comprehension for high-frequency hearing loss

Neosensory's Clarify wristband helps people with high-frequency hearing loss. This type of hearing loss makes it difficult to distinguish consonants like “s” and “f” when listening to someone speak. It's common among adults 50 and older.

The device vibrates at different rates for each consonant. Over time, the brain gradually learns to use this tactile feedback from the skin to enhance the auditory signals it’s receiving. Blending these sensory inputs helps users better understand speech and other high-frequency sounds that they were previously struggling to hear.

The Clarify wristband can be used in conjunction with hearing aids to enhance overall communication ability. Some users with mild hearing loss may find that using Clarify by itself is enough to improve speech comprehension. 

A recent small study of 16 participants with high-frequency hearing loss indicated that using Clarify for six weeks improved their ability to understand conversation.

3. Alerts for people with severe hearing loss

Neosensory's Sound Awareness wristband can be a useful tool for people who are Deaf or have severe hearing loss. The device can alert a person to doorbells, dogs barking, sirens and other important sounds via vibrations. Neosensory also markets this device to people with normal hearing ability who have an interest in exploring sound sensations, for example by being able to “feel” the music while at a concert.

Meanwhile, Safeware's wristband and app can connect to alert you to systems like fire alarms, security systems, and baby monitors. Thee device converts important and potentially life-saving sounds into vibrations, making them easily detectable for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing.

Multisensory devices FAQs

What’s the difference between tactile and electrical stimulation?

Tactile stimulation (wristbands from Neosensory and Safewave) relies on vibration to generate sensations on the skin, while electrical stimulation (Lenire) uses electrical currents to stimulate nerves or muscles under the skin.

Can anyone with tinnitus benefit from these devices?

If you have persistent tinnitus, you should first see a hearing healthcare provider to rule out other conditions contributing to your symptoms. It's very common for people to have hearing loss and not notice it until they develop tinnitus. When that's the case, hearing aids may be the best treatment option to find relief.

More: How hearing aids help tinnitus

However, if your tinnitus remains disruptive even after hearing aids, or if you have tinnitus without hearing loss, these devices may help.

Can I use these products if I already have hearing aids?

Yes. You can use any of these in addition to your hearing aids to help with your hearing loss or tinnitus symptoms.

Should I stop wearing my hearing aids and use these devices instead?

No. If you’ve been diagnosed with hearing loss and fitted with hearing aids, you should continue to wear them and use non-auditory stimulation devices as a supplement to further benefit your hearing health.

Where can I get one?

The Lenire device is available only through a qualified healthcare provider after an evaluation. You can visit their website to find a provider near you.

Neosensory offers their products online, as well as through partnering hearing healthcare providers. It’s always a good idea to get a hearing evaluation before starting a treatment program for tinnitus.

Safewave can be purchased directly from their website.

​Take steps to hear better 

If you are experiencing changes in your hearing, tinnitus symptoms or other ear-related issues the first step should be to find a hearing specialist in your area. 

They can offer you an accurate diagnosis and recommend treatment options for your specific situation. During your consultation ask if the devices mentioned above or other similar products might be right for you.