Breakthrough Technology for the Long Term Relief of Tinnitus
Learn MoreTinniTone was founded in 2024 by a team of specialists passionate about finding innovative solutions for Tinnitus sufferers.
At TinniTone Technologies, we believe there is an opportunity for long-term relief when treating the root causes of Tinnitus unlike typical diversion techniques that only mask the problem.
Our team combines decades of experience in audiology to provide the most effective and personalized treatment plans for each individual.
Our mission is to revolutionize the approach to Tinnitus relief through breakthrough technology that offers long-term, effective solutions. We are dedicated to advancing scientific innovation and delivering hope to those affected by Tinnitus, empowering individuals to reclaim peace, improve quality of life, and live free from the disruptive impact of persistent ear ringing. Our commitment to cutting-edge research and compassionate care drives us to pioneer treatments that truly make a difference, bringing lasting relief and sound clarity to those who need it most.
To lead a transformative shift in Tinnitus care, making lasting relief accessible to all. We envision a future where breakthrough technology empowers individuals to experience life free from the impact of Tinnitus, fostering improved mental well-being, clarity, and peace. Through relentless innovation and commitment to compassionate solutions, we aim to redefine what's possible in auditory health, creating pathways for enduring change and enriching lives worldwide.
Tinnitus, which can be pronounced as either "tin-NITE-us" or "TIN-ne-tus," is an auditory phenomenon characterized by the perception of sound in the absence of an external acoustic stimulus. Patients with Tinnitus report a variety of phantom sounds (described in detail below), including ringing, clicking, pulsing, humming, or rushing noises. The perceived intensity of these sounds can range from barely noticeable to severe, potentially interfering with a patient's ability to perceive external sounds.
In cases of severe Tinnitus, patients may experience significant difficulties with concentration and sleep patterns. Over time, these challenges can lead to psychological distress, including frustration and depression, significantly impacting the patient's quality of life.
It's crucial to understand that Tinnitus itself is not a disease, but rather a symptom that can be associated with various underlying conditions. These may include ear injuries, age-related hearing loss (presbycusis), noise-induced hearing loss, or other otological and neurological disorders.
Epidemiological studies indicate that approximately 15% of the global population experiences Tinnitus, which translates to over 50 million individuals in the United States alone. While Tinnitus can affect individuals of any age, it is most prevalent in the 40-80 year age group.
We approach Tinnitus with a comprehensive diagnostic and management strategy, focusing on both the auditory symptoms and their impact on the patient's overall well-being. Our goal is to provide effective coping strategies and, where possible, address the underlying causes to improve the patient's auditory experience and quality of life.
While experts aren't entirely certain why some people experience Tinnitus and others don't, it is commonly linked to a variety of medical conditions. Tinnitus may also present and develop after some type of mental or physical change that occurs and sometimes isn't even related to the ear.
Age-Related Hearing Loss: As people age, their hearing diminishes, reducing the sound stimulation their brain is accustomed to. When the brain receives less auditory input, it may still try to compensate, causing the perception of sounds that aren't actually present. Around one-third of adults over 65 experience Tinnitus.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL): Prolonged exposure to loud noises or a single intense event (like an explosion or gunshot) can lead to hearing damage and Tinnitus.
Ear Injuries and Trauma: Damage to the nerves or parts of the brain that process hearing can lead to Tinnitus, especially if the injury affects one ear.
Ear Conditions: Blocked earwax or ear infections can cause temporary hearing loss, often accompanied by ringing sounds.
Medications: Certain drugs, such as some antibiotics, antidepressants, cancer treatments, and NSAIDs, have been known to trigger Tinnitus.
Less frequent causes of Tinnitus may include:
Eustachian tube dysfunction
Ménière's disease
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
Vestibular schwannoma (a benign tumor on the vestibular nerve)
Otosclerosis (abnormal bone growth in the ear)
Blood vessel disorders, which can cause pulsatile Tinnitus, a rare form where the ringing aligns with the heartbeat
Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
Tinnitus can also worsen with triggers like stress or lack of sleep, which can lead to a frustrating cycle for those affected.
Photo by Mark Paton on Unsplash
As any Professional Audiologist will tell you, they commonly encounter patients who report perceiving noises in their ears or head that have no external source. These phantom sounds, known as Tinnitus, can present in a variety of forms - from a high-pitched ringing to buzzing, clicking, hissing, roaring, or rushing sounds.
Tinnitus is often described as occurring in both ears, a condition we refer to as bilateral Tinnitus. In some cases, it may develop in only one ear, which we call unilateral Tinnitus. Understanding the laterality of a patient's Tinnitus is an important first step in our diagnostic process.
Tinnitus can be a symptom of an underlying condition affecting the inner ear, and is frequently associated with age-related or noise-induced hearing loss. For many patients, Tinnitus becomes a chronic issue lasting weeks, months, or even years. However, Tinnitus can also be transient, resolving within a few hours after exposure to loud sounds, such as live music or industrial equipment.
In cases where the cause of Tinnitus is not easily identifiable, the condition is present on a constant basis. As part of a comprehensive audiological evaluation, we work to precisely characterize the type of Tinnitus the patient is experiencing.
The most common form of Tinnitus is subjective Tinnitus, in which the patient alone is able to perceive the phantom sound. Regardless of the volume or perceived intensity of the Tinnitus, it remains inaudible to others. Identifying subjective Tinnitus is a crucial step in developing an appropriate treatment plan.
Less frequently, we may encounter cases of objective Tinnitus, where the Tinnitus sound is audible to the clinician using specialized equipment. Objective Tinnitus is often associated with conditions affecting the mechanical structures near the ears, such as high blood pressure or muscle contractions. During the clinical examination, we can detect objective Tinnitus using a stethoscope or sensitive microphone.
Another subtype is pulsatile Tinnitus, in which the patient perceives a rhythmic sound synchronized with their heartbeat. This rushing or roaring sound may be indicative of an underlying vascular condition, such as a tumor or plaque buildup in the arteries. Pulsatile Tinnitus requires prompt medical attention to identify and address the underlying vascular abnormality.
Through a thorough case history, audiometric testing, and targeted examination, we are able to accurately characterize the type of Tinnitus each patient is experiencing. This comprehensive approach allows us to develop the most effective management strategies to provide relief and improve quality of life for those affected by this debilitating condition.
Revolutionary treatment using the TinniTone system combines sound therapy, cognitive behavioral techniques, and neural stimulation to provide long-lasting relief from Tinnitus symptoms. Our approach is non-invasive, painless, and tailored to each patient's unique Tinnitus profile.
Chris P (Teacher/Musician)
"I would say the whole experience was positive but it's hard to say how much improvement has been made. I am hopeful for our next session.
I had to turn the treble down as soon as I got in the car (ed: after the session), my hearing was better and I could hear at a lower volume. Came back to TO (ed: Toronto) and went and worked out at F45 and my ears were back to ringing which usually happens.( dumb loud music is played so I wear ear plugs). Later that evening the right side is/was more obvious with different tones present and the left was quieter.