How to spot a tinnitus scam?

First of all, it is important to keep in mind that while there are many products/methods advertised out there, only a few have proven records, credible research to back up their claims.

Let’s see first what those are. CBT is recommended by NHS, it has been researched as an effective treatment and it was tested in controlled trials . It is also important to note that CBT (as it is a form of talking therapy) comes with very low risk, even if it is not effective enough for someone, it  is harmless.

Then there is sound therapy also known as Tinnitus Retraining Therapy. This is a combined treatment of education about Tinnitus, some CBT skills to reduce distress, might include other skills such as mindfulness that can be helpful and the sound therapy: listening to sounds on a wearable device (can be hearing aids) that helps you to habituate to your Tinnitus. This treatment has also been researched and found effective for many Tinnitus sufferers.

Still, the most common treatment for Tinnitus are to be fitted with hearing aids. This is especially important if you also have hearing loss. Enhancing your hearing can reduce Tinnitus. This is not a one fits all solution- not everyone experiences relief from their Tinnitus when they start using hearing aids but helping your hearing does have many benefits, for example you don’t have to strain yourself to hear, and just that can make Tinnitus more tolerable and less of a nuisance. Hearing aids can be fitted to reduce Tinnitus even when there is no hearing loss, as your audiologist can program your hearing aid just to try to reduce your perception of Tinnitus.  Once again, this can work or not work- nothing is simple with Tinnitus!

Another option that has been researched is bimodal neuromodulation: sound therapy combined with sensory modulation (in the form of mild electric impulses). Here the aim is to stimulate two different nerves at the same time so the brain focuses less on the Tinnitus (they use neuroplasticity to rewire the brain, fascinating, isn’t it?) In the UK you can buy the Lenire device to try this method, however, the cost can be prohibiting.

While no list is ever final, there are the most commonly used and approved or research-proven methods out there. If you want to read more about them and you are curious about the research results, I included some useful links below.

So, how do you know if the ad you have found is something new or just another scam?

Firstly, if it has been around for a while, Tinnitus UK has a handy list that you can check (see below) , they give a rating from red-definitely fishy to amber-use caution to green-“go for it”.

If it is not there or you cannot check, be aware of usual signs of scams:

• sense of urgency: just now, just for you- if it actually works, there would be a continuous interest, right?
• big promise, low price: a Lenire device costs a couple of thousands. Does it seem realistic that you can buy a similar device for £30?
• Fake companies: do they have an address? Where do they operate from? Do they give refund? Can you send back the item?
  
  Finally, use your own instinct, don’t buy anything if you feel very hopeless and low- it is not the right time to make a decision. Wait and see: you might see the world in a different light tomorrow. After all, if there is something that can be said about Tinnitus, that it does change.

Useful resources:

Treatments Archive - Tinnitus UK

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Managing Tinnitus, Hyperacusis, and Misophonia: The 2025 Tonndorf Lecture

Sound Therapy to Reduce Auditory Gain for Hyperacusis and Tinnitus | American Journal of Audiology

Neuromodulation for Tinnitus: How This Treatment Works