Neuromonics Inc, Bethlehem, Pa, is introducing the company’s first device specifically designed to help individuals suffering from mild to moderate tinnitus. HR Neuromonicslogo

The Neuromonics Sanctuary™ device is the company’s newest product to help tinnitus patients. The company will debut the Sanctuary at the AAA Convention on April 3-6 in Anaheim, Calif, booth #1660. Neuromonics also will showcase its Oasis, the FDA-cleared, patented, and clinically proven device that offers long-term, significant relief for serious tinnitus sufferers. For more information on Oasis, see the March 2008 article in HR.

“With the addition of the Sanctuary, Neuromonics can provide effective, simple treatment for the full range of those dealing with tinnitus,” says Curtis Amann, vice president of marketing and sales for the company.

Tinnitus is often described as buzzing, ringing, hissing, humming, roaring, or whistling that someone hears in the absence of any external sound. More than 50 million people in the United States alone suffer from the condition, according to the American Tinnitus Association. Usually brought on by exposure to loud noise, the problem is especially significant in the military, with more than 34% of returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan suffering from tinnitus.

The Neuromonics Sanctuary provides relief of tinnitus symptoms by combining relaxing music with a customized neural stimulus. The Sanctuary blends a customized, high-frequency signal with music, providing an on-demand sense of control and relief to the individual. Patients with mild or moderate tinnitus disturbance can experience relief within minutes of their tinnitus assessment, according to Amann.

Ease of use. The compact Sanctuary device is designed to be simple to use, functioning much like familiar consumer music players, and fits easily into patients’ lifestyles, says Amann. Tinnitus sufferers can choose from one of three pre-programmed profiles to find the signal that provides the greatest degree of relief from their particular symptoms. Pressing “play” allows them to listen to calming, relaxing music that interacts with the tinnitus perception.

Individuals use the Sanctuary at times when their tinnitus is bothersome, says Amann. “The Sanctuary provides relief while listening to the device—when you want it and when you need it.”

Tinnitus sufferers can begin to determine if the Sanctuary is the right choice for them by taking Neuromonics’ online tinnitus assessment. A trained audiology clinician will review the score during an assessment visit and determine if the Sanctuary is the appropriate device. The Neuromonics Sanctuary is a Class II medical device, regulated by the FDA and requiring a prescription from a trained clinician. 

Key features. The Sanctuary is not a masking device, but rather works to promote new neural connections that will allow the brain to help filter out the tinnitus perception. Key features of the device include: simple setup and same-day fitting; user-friendly interface; sleep timer; multiple headphone options; bedside speaker accessory.

Long-term tinnitus relief. The Neuromonics Sanctuary device works with the same principles as the Neuromonics Oasis. In contrast, the Neuromonics Oasis, in combination with the Neuromonics Tinnitus Treatment, is a long-term treatment program for those with more severe tinnitus.

Related articles:

Private Practice Tinnitus Treatment Study Published, November 12, 2008 HR Online

DoD Awards Neuromonics $1 Million to Conduct Tinnitus Study, December 16, 2008 HR Online

Neuromonics Provides Relief for Veterans Suffering from Tinnitus, July 20, 2011 HR Online