90% of patients experience significant improvement in their tinnitus after 12 weeks of bimodal therapy.

Nine out of ten patients experience significant improvement in their tinnitus after 12 weeks of bimodal therapy, says Dr. Jennifer Cueva, an otorhinolaryngology specialist at Quirónsalud Bizkaia Hospital.

Tinnitus is the subjective perception of a noise inside the head or ears, which has no external origin. It's an internal sound that "can cause frustration, difficulty falling asleep, and, in some cases, stress or anxiety," explains the expert.

In Spain, it is estimated that around 8 percent of the adult population—about four million people— suffer from tinnitus at some point. Between 10 and 15 percent have experienced it at some point, and for 0.5 percent of those affected, it is a serious problem that significantly impacts their quality of life.

In this sense, bimodal therapy combines auditory stimulation with stimulation of the trigeminal nerve through the tongue, using a specific device. "The goal is to facilitate a readjustment of neuronal activity that contributes to reducing the perception of tinnitus," explains the doctor.

However, he clarifies that, before starting treatment, an initial assessment is essential , including a consultation with an ear, nose, and throat specialist and hearing tests to determine if the patient is a candidate. "Depending on the characteristics of your hearing and tinnitus, a personalized stimulation plan is planned."

Once the initial assessment is completed, the device is programmed to adapt to the characteristics of the patient's tinnitus . "The treatment is carried out at home for 12 weeks, with daily sessions of approximately one hour, which can be divided into two half-hour sessions. During this time, periodic monitoring is carried out to ensure that the system is adapted to the patient's progress and needs," the specialist adds.

Until now, the most commonly used options have included auditory therapies, masking techniques, or tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT), the goal of which is to accustom the patient to the sound to minimize its impact.

On the other hand, the arrival of bimodal therapy "expands the range of possibilities, offering an alternative that combines technology and personalization to address a problem that, although invisible, affects the daily lives of those who suffer from it," notes Hospital Quirónsalud Bizkaia.