Tinnitus support and treatment
Tinnitus affecting everyday life?
We can help you understand what’s happening and explore treatment and support options that may help manage your tinnitus.
Get started with tinnitus support
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WHEN TO GET HELP
Support for when tinnitus is affecting daily life
Tinnitus isn’t something you just have to live with. If it's bothering you in any way or making it hard to do what you enjoy, we can help you understand what’s going on and what might help. Reach out if:
- tinnitus is affecting your sleep, energy or concentration
- you've been told to just live with it and want to know your options
- you have questions about tinnitus that feel unanswered.
Things you may have noticed
Ringing, buzzing or a constant tone in both ears
Pulsing, whooshing or rushing sounds
Sounds that feel almost natural, like crickets or static
Trouble getting to sleep because of the noise
Finding it hard to concentrate, rest or switch off
Feeling constantly aware of the sound, even when trying not to be
What is tinnitus support?
Tinnitus support starts with understanding your experience. We’ll assess your hearing, check your ear health and talk through how tinnitus is affecting your daily life.
From there, we’ll discuss the treatment and support options that may suit your needs. These can include practical strategies, hearing support, Lenire and referrals to other health professionals where appropriate.
The aim isn’t necessarily to make tinnitus disappear completely. It’s to reduce how intrusive or bothersome it feels and help lessen its impact on everyday life. What that looks like will be different for each person.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Ways we can help manage your tinnitus
As part of your assessment we’ll discuss the option most likely to support your unique situation and experience of tinnitus.
Understanding your tinnitus
Understanding tinnitus can make it feel less overwhelming. We’ll explain what may be contributing to your experience and answer the questions you have.
Sound enrichment
Introducing pleasant, tailored sounds into your day can help your brain build healthier listening patterns over time.
Redirection and relaxation techniques
Simple strategies, including breathing exercises and attention techniques, can help reduce the hyperawareness that often makes tinnitus feel worse.
Psychological or physical support
For some people, psychological support such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or targeted physiotherapy may help manage the impact of tinnitus. We can connect you with relevant MTHC services or other health professionals where appropriate.
Hearing aids
Hearing aids can help some people, particularly where hearing loss is also present. They're not recommended for everyone, and we’ll only suggest this if it suits your situation.
Lenire
Lenire is a 12-week program that works by stimulating two pathways to the brain at the same time. It delivers pleasant sounds via headphones and a gentle, fizzing sensation from a small tip on the tongue.
Download: Your tinnitus treatment journey with Lenire – PDF
How we work with every child
Our approach
Personalised to your lifestyle
Evidence-informed care
Clear guidance to the right support
TAKING THE FIRST STEP
Getting started with tinnitus support
The first step is understanding your tinnitus and how it’s affecting you. You don’t need a referral to book an appointment.
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Step 1: Your tinnitus consultation
We’ll check your hearing and ear health and talk through your experience of tinnitus, including when it started and how it’s affecting your daily life.
Step 2: Your personalised plan
Your clinician will explain the treatment and support options that might help. If Lenire may be appropriate, we’ll discuss it as part of this conversation, and explain the next steps for whichever option you choose.
Some treatments may be eligible for private health insurance benefits. Check with your insurer about your individual cover.
Step 3: If you proceed with Lenire
We’ll order your device and book a fitting appointment, where you’ll learn how to use it and have time to try it before taking it home.
Lenire is prescribed specifically for you, so the device is purchased for your individual use and can’t be shared, transferred or resold.
The program runs for 12 weeks and includes a telehealth check-in at two weeks and in-person reviews at six and 12 weeks.
Devices are ordered in batches, so there may be a short wait before yours is ready. We’ll let you know what to expect.
How to refer
Information for professionals
Refer to MTHC Hearing Care’s tinnitus clinic when a person is experiencing bothersome tinnitus or hearing changes and would benefit from further assessment and management.
We don’t require a formal referral, but a brief summary of the concerns and any previous assessments is helpful.
Complete our referral enquiry form
Phone: 03 9035 5333
Email: aud-reception@unimelb.edu.au
Sudden-onset tinnitus, or tinnitus in one ear only, should be treated as a high-priority, urgent referra
One connected system of care
MTHC is where healthcare, education and research come together
SUPPORT FOR CHANGING NEEDS
A connected system of care
We offer a range of services to support people across different health needs and stages of life. You can move easily between services as your needs change, without starting from scratch each time.
PURPOSE‑LED HEALTHCARE
A subsidiary of the University of Melbourne
We're a not-for-profit healthcare organisation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the University of Melbourne. This means high-quality, evidence-informed care for you and your family.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral?
No. You can contact us directly to book a tinnitus consultation.
What does tinnitus support and treatment cost?
Support and treatment costs for tinnitus vary from person to person. We will discuss all costs with you during your consultation. You can also check out our fees page for more information.
What happens at my first appointment?
You'll have a hearing and ear health check, then talk through your tinnitus, including when it started and how it's affecting you. We’ll use this information to recommend the options most likely to help you.
Will treatment get rid of my tinnitus completely?
For most people, the goal isn't to eliminate tinnitus completely, but to reduce how bothersome it feels and how much it affects daily life. What this looks like is different for each person. We’ll talk through what's realistic for you.
What is Lenire, and how much does it cost?
Lenire is a 12-week tinnitus treatment program that pairs sound with gentle tongue stimulation. It's currently recommended for adults aged 18 and over with long-term tinnitus. This program includes your fitting appointment and scheduled reviews at 2, 6 and 12 weeks. Your clinician will confirm whether Lenire may be suitable for you as part of your consultation.
Is Lenire suitable for all types of tinnitus?
No. Lenire is recommended for adults aged 18 and over with persistent, subjective tinnitus. It isn't suitable for people who are pregnant, have epilepsy, have an implanted medical device such as a pacemaker, or have an active ear infection. We’ll confirm your eligibility during your consultation.
How long does tinnitus treatment take to work?
This varies from person to person. Benefits aren't expected in the first couple of weeks of any treatment, including Lenire. We’ll explain what to expect in your treatment program and track your progress at each review.
Contact Us
MTHC: Hearing
Ground Floor, 550 Swanston St,
Carlton 3053
Phone: 03 9035 5333
Fax: 03 9347 1535
Email: aud-reception@unimelb.edu.au
Opening hours
Monday to Friday
8:30 am to 4.30 pm
Closed public holidays
Directions
Find out how to get here