Effective Treatment for Tinnitus in Australia
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus occurs when an individual experiences ringing or other noises in one or both ears. This noise you hear is not caused by any external sound source. Tinnitus is a common problem that affects about 15% to 20% of the population and is especially common in older adults.
Symptoms of Tinnitus
Tinnitus is often described as a ringing in the ears with the absence of any external noise. Besides ringing, tinnitus can also present as other noises including:
- Buzzing
- Roaring
- Clicking
- Hissing
- Humming
IIn rarer cases the sound can become so loud it interferes with your ability to concentrate. Tinnitus may be experienced all the time, or it may be temporary.
Treatment for Tinnitus with Monarch
A study by Folmer and colleagues (2015) investigated the effects of TMS when treating patients with Tinnitus. The participants received one pulse of TMS treatment to their auditory cortex, with the aim of inhibiting neurons that were overexcited (giving phantom ringing sounds). Each participant underwent treatment for ten consecutive days and received a dosage of 1Hz at 2000 pulses, per day.
The findings were surprising, with more than half of the participants reporting complete remission of symptoms of up to 6 months in duration. Folmer stated, “For some study participants, this was the first time in years that they experienced any relief in symptoms”. Further research is required for a larger clinical trial to refine protocols for the clinical use of tinnitus.
TMS Treatment and Tinnitus
Tinnitus is a common condition with few treatment options, and which often results in considerable distress. Due to the clear unmet treatment needs, several TMS approaches to tinnitus treatment with TMS have been investigated. These have involved stimulation of auditory (hearing) processing areas of the brain and areas of the brain in the prefrontal cortex (front of the brain). Recent clinical trials have shown positive benefits of TMS treatment persisting for up to 6 months after a course of treatment.
Our Difference
Psychiatrist-led mental health service
Fast access to all services
Evidence-based, individualized treatment programs
Comprehensive process reports sent to the treating team
Initial consultation* with a psychiatrist bulk billed.
Medicare rebates available on all treatment programs
*Please note - only Monarch Group initial assessments are bulk billed. Accessing clinicians through our consulting suites will incur out-of-pocket costs.
