An FDA approved device offers a new treatment for tinnitus

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Reactions to the Lenire / Tongue‑Stimulation Devices

  • Many are intrigued by bimodal neuromodulation (sound + tongue stimulation), noting prior studies and related work by another research group developing a similar device.
  • Some see value even if it only reduces perceived loudness or shifts attention, likening it to treating “phantom limb pain” in the auditory system.
  • Others emphasize that for severe cases, even partial or temporary relief would be life‑changing.

Skepticism, Cost, and DIY/Open‑Source Angle

  • Several commenters are skeptical of company‑funded “clinical data,” noting lack of clear control groups and selection of patients by “specific criteria.”
  • The ~$4,000 price and lack of insurance coverage are widely criticized; many suspect a low bill of materials.
  • Multiple people express desire to reverse‑engineer the device (e.g., probing signals with an oscilloscope) and build an open‑source clone using simple electronics.

Experiences and Suspected Causes

  • Causes reported include loud noise exposure (music, military, concerts, violin), Covid and other infections, vaccines, barotrauma from diving, TMJ, neck issues, medications (especially NSAIDs/aspirin), and idiopathic cases from childhood.
  • Some link severity to congestion, eustachian tube problems, blood pressure, stress, or seasonal allergies.
  • Both high‑pitch continuous ringing and low‑frequency or pulsatile forms are described; some cases appear and disappear mysteriously.

Coping Strategies and Home Remedies

  • Masking: fans, rain sounds, “cricket” or pink noise, notched‑frequency audio, ASMR mixes, custom sound profiles, and white‑noise/meditation tracks on headphones.
  • Supplements and lifestyle: magnesium, zinc, B‑vitamins, ginkgo extract, reduced caffeine/alcohol/salt, weight loss, stress reduction; evidence is anecdotal and mixed.
  • Physical approaches: neck and jaw physiotherapy, TMJ treatment, massage, craniosacral therapy (acknowledged as “woo” by some), steroid ear drops/sprays for inflammation.
  • Tapping/“drumming” on the skull or loud transient self‑generated sounds sometimes give brief relief.

Habituation and Psychological Aspects

  • Many report that the most effective “treatment” is habituation: learning to accept the sound and let the brain tune it out.
  • Meditation, attention training, and deliberate re‑framing (treating the sound as neutral or even comforting) help some avoid panic and distress.
  • A few warn that experiencing real silence via devices can make unmasked tinnitus feel worse when the device is unavailable.