As many as 50 million Americans suffer from tinnitus, according to the American Tinnitus Association (ATA), a health condition commonly known as “ringing in the ears.” Musicians, factory workers, military veterans, and many others endure its effects, including problems with concentration, sleep, anxiety, and depression.
The Levo System, an FDA-cleared medical device, is designed to mimic the specific sound of a patient’s individual tinnitus, the system’s developer, Otoharmonics, announced. The patient is instructed to listen to the Sound Match nightly through custom-fit ear buds while sleeping. Over time, according to Otoharmonics, the brain is said to naturally learn to “ignore” the tinnitus sound, to improve the patient’s quality of life.
A recently released randomized study by the National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research at the VA Portland Health Care System demonstrated that therapy with the Levo System Sound Match showed greater reduction in tinnitus intensity than a traditional masker, long considered the standard of care for treating tinnitus. The study was led by James Henry, PhD, recognized for his work in treating and managing tinnitus.
Study participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: the Levo System with Sound Match; the Levo System without a match; or the traditional masker, a bedside sound generator. Patients who received Sound Match therapy reported the greatest reduction in tinnitus intensity as well as statistically significant improvement in key quality of life measures including improved sleep and cognitive function.
Seth Weible, AuD, a Levo provider at NYC Hearing Associates in Manhattan, has had success using the Levo System. “No other system available today is creating quality-of-life improvement like the Levo System,” Weible said. “Patients experience tremendous relief.”
Tinnitus affects a range of people, including those who are exposed to continuous noise. It is the leading service-related disability among US veterans, according to the ATA.
“It is gratifying to see so many people experience relief from a condition that has defied a long-term solution,” said Michael Baker, president and CEO of Otoharmonics. “Patients report the greatest improvement when they drive decisions about their treatment.”
The Levo System has been cleared by the FDA for sale in the US and is cleared for sale in Canada and Europe through CE Mark.
Original Paper: Theodoroff SM, McMillan GP, Zaugg TL, Cheslock M, Roberts C, Henry JA. Randomized controlled trial of a novel device for tinnitus sound therapy during sleep. American Journal of Audiology. October 31, 2017. doi:10.1044/2017_AJA-17-0022
Source: Otoharmonics, American Journal of Audiology
Is this system available in montreal Canada? I am very interested in purchasing it.
I had a terrible case of tinnitus and in desperation went to Duke audiology. There I spent the 4500 and used the Neuromonics sound system which uses notched frequencies. But the key is they first give a through hearing test and ensure the notches help to cancel out what you are hearing. They also say it will take a major shift in lifestyle and about 6 months. No shortcuts, but it did slowly work and the wide-range hiss went to a narrow-range one. Amazingly, this part of Neuromonics has gone bankrupt, so maybe being thorough and honest doesn’t work. Before using this Levo system, you need to go through an established audiology department, usually at a university hospital system. My two cents.
I’ve been afflicted with tinnitus for approximately 50+ years so I am always eager to learn what treatment and/or product might provide some relief. A short article in “AARP The Magazine” Oct/Nov 2018 mentioned the Levo System. I Googled it and it led me to this site. Have read what I could, especially the comments herein and was struck by the fact that nowhere are there mentions of the effectiveness of and/or how well the system works or any mention of success whatsoever. That spoke volumes to me. Not interested in spending $4500-$5000 for what sort of appears to be heavy promises and non-existent satisfaction.
I saw on NBC News story about the Levo system and how it could help people with tinitus. I reached out to the company and was referred to the only company that offered the system in Virginia.
I purchased the Levo system through a Company called Hearing at Home back in August. A representative named “Jimmy” came to my home to deliver the system along with a representative from Levo.
Suffering from an extensive case of tinitus, I was encouraged, however
after the initial setup, which appeared to be 2 amateurs struggling though a new owners manual, I was given my system.
I was told that the system came with a 30 day money back guarantee, however the cure would take at least 90 days.
I was told however, that I should see an improvement at the end of 30 days and at that point, I should know if the system was going to work for me.
I was also told that Jimmy would come back in 2 weeks to re-evaluate my progress and make adjustments to the system. THAT NEVER HAPPENED.
Nearing the end of the 30 day period, I reached out to Jimmy.
He called me back after the 30 day period stating that he was never given my message.
He met with me later the next week and brought me a new system, stating that possibly my original unit was defective. He promised to follow up with me in 2 weeks to again follow up on progress.
Once again, this never happened.
I feel that Levo and Hearing for Home are all about the money and not at all about the patient.
$5,000 later and my tinitus has not improved.
They took advantage of my situation (my money) and ran. I intend to reach out to NBC next.
I’ve had tinnitus most of my life. Three tones in my right ear, and two in my left ear. The left ear has now started with a ticking sound like a piece of glass breaking. There are days when there are only two tones in the right ear. I have been wearing hearing aids for 18 years and at first they masked the tones. As I’m getting older the tones are louder and I can’t get to sleep until I’m exhausted, or while I’m in front of the TV. I was told at first that getting cochlear aids would stop the ringing, then I met a Vet at the VA hospital that had cochlear done on him, he said that the ringing is still there! Is there any relief? I doubt if this new system can block out more than one tone. The only time the ringing subsides half as much, is when I have a fever. Does anyone have a clue to how I can get rid this ringing? Thanks
Interested in purchasing LEVO system
I have had tinnitus for over 45 years. I only notice it when it is mentioned or when I think about it. Mine must be mild because it does not interfere with my sleep. Good luck to all of you as you work to help your tinnitus.
Good morning all. I was treated years ago by Dr. Jastraboff at the Emory clinic I purchased sound generators which were fitted for me. It has worked but I have not used the generators for quite some time. My tinnitus is acting up once again and I would like to contact someone at Levo Systems directly. If I can be directed to the appropriate individual I would be most grateful. Many thanks, Howard
whats the name of the app that plays the pitch continuously for tinnitus
I’m a classically trained musician. I discovered the notion of matching the pitch of my tinnitus makes the sound feel as though it’s coming from outside of my head. Life changing for me. I did this purely on a whim of desperation. I then had to find a source that will play this pitch continuously. My sound is, interestingly “middle C.” It took a fair amount of searching to find an app that delivers this sound continuously. I was then able to download the sound ($.99) onto my phone. I can listen on headphones or through a speaker. Been a couple of years. I previously bought neumatic therapy for $5000. Matching the pitch is far superior for me.
How were you able to find the pitch you needed and once you did, how did you fine someplace to download it? I really want to try this approach.
Pete, everybody, you can easily find your pitch using a tone generator or oscillator. A cheap programable analog synthesizer will do the trick. You can easily find hundreds of them on eBay for $200 and up. As far as using them it takes a bit of playing with it but I guarantee that you probably know someone who has one and knows how to use it. In addition you can create your own masking sounds. They are tremendous fun to play with. I am guessing there are dozens of YouTube videos to show you the basics.
Please identify the app you found, I am interested.
Edward, is this sound-generating app you tried available at the iPhone App store? Please let us know so we can give that a try before spending $4,500 on equipment. Thanks!
Could you please tell me how I find the app you are talking about
How often do you listen? Mine is middle C. Where did you download app from ? What is app called? How much time a day did you listen to it?
I purchased the Levo system one month ago from an audiologist. The cost was $4500.00. insurance does not cover it. I have worn it every night since and there is no difference yet. I was told that it will take 90 days for Neuroplasticity to work. Which they tell me means, that once the brain retrains itself it will ignore the ringing.
Neuroplasticity: The brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. The ability of the brain to change throughout an individual’s life, e.g., brain activity associated with a given function can be transferred to a different location of the brain.
I will keep you guys posted if it actually works. I also received mixed information on what happens if it does not work after 90 days. The audiologist said I could get a refund minus a charge of around $500.00. But, when I met with the rep from the manufacturer I was told there is only a refund within 30 days if there is a problem with the iPod or software. If after 90 days it does not work, then basically too bad, no refund.
I have a follow-up appointment Friday that they are actually replacing my IPod because I did have an issue
So, I will be discussing with the audiologist about what exactly the policy is. I believe I am the first patient they have using the Levo system. I guess I will have to make a decision on rolling the dice to see if I want to take a $4500 chance of ridding myself of this horrible high pitch ringing. I will most likely follow it through even if it costs e $4500. The last 5 years having Tinnitus has really been unbearable.
I’m very curious about your experience with this device. Please keep us posted. Good luck!
Please let me know how it goes I have had tinnitus for 40 years I don’t think hearing aids or my answer I can still hear the ringing over the Ambient sound they put in the background like everybody with this problem we do anything to get rid of it.
Hi. So can you tell me if this levo system is a good treatment or just wishful thinking. Thank you. Craig
COMMENT The Levo people visited our T group and stated $4,500 as the price tag. It is really just an inexpensive I-Pod so why the high price tag? If they had left the device with our group leader to give it a trial run I would have had more faith in them. But they don’t do such a thing which is a HUGE red flag for me. If I were selling a device for $4,500 that cost me peanuts to make and it didn’t work I would want to refund your money. They don’t which makes them greedy in my eyes.
Please send info
My VA suplied hearing aids make my tinnitus worse than without them so hopefully will prescribed soon by the VA including better hearing aids
Is this available in us?
Can I get info
We would like to have information on the levo system.
Want info pricing
An interesting concept.But a major drawback. We need to have the patients cleared of any lesions affecting the 8th auditory nerve, aneurysms, and growing brain tumors that may lie unmasked, and could lead to serious illness and even death, if not detected. Just masking a sound is hardly a solution.
Bad idea by a company that doesn’t know much about pathologies in the brain.
This company is offering a possible solutions or improvement of a already diagnosed situation… they are not saying contending that this will fix all tinnitus issues. As everyone knows tinnitus can be caused by a multitude of issues. So ENT specialist and having MRI are still the first line of defense in your diagnoses…this is an alternative or another option I’ve actually he’s eating or giving some relief to the aggravating sounds created from tinnitus
nice to know that something is being done for the thousands of suffers of tinnitus but again
at a cost of about 500 pounds .for a device that cost very little to make ,some suffers will be able to afford it but what about pensioners like me who cant afford to be temporally free of the buzzing each day and night, perhaps us in the uk should form a petition to obtain it on our NHS even part cost would help
I know what you mean. The prices that these companies expect people to pay are crazy.
Hi.i live in europe slovakia.suffer tinuti tree years where can i get be treated by levo sistem
Is this offered to the VA?
I spoke to Ann Arbor, MI VA and they know nothing about it.
Seems to be a perfect fit for MANY veterans.
SLC Utah VA Audiology knows nothing about this.
How do I go about getting the Levo System? Or how do I go about purchasing It?
Dont buy it yet. The research is motivated by sales!
are there units available for trial or for test purposes?
Hi, can you please tell me how much the levo system costs?
Thank you
Sharleen
IS THIS TREATMENT AVAILABLE IN Wisconsin??
In Central Florida, the cost is $5,000. No insurance coverage and no refunds.
Hi is this available in
Sydney Australia
Thank you