Levo Tinnitus System
The Levo Tinnitus System is a treatment or management approach that uses tinnitus pitch matched in-ear sleep sound therapy every night for three months. Manufacturer = Otoharmonics. Developed by team at Cedars Sinai Medical Center.
I have a background in audiology. This is how I rate the Levo Tinnitus System:
Levo app compatible with Apple devices
Cost ~ $4500 BP = $7500 Cdn = $5700 US
The available science on benefit by Levo employees/associates = 23 subjects (combined Otoharmonics studies).
Normal hearing or sensorineural hearing loss ≤70 dB thresholds across hearing test frequencies (0.25-8kHz).
In-ear sleep sound generators
Won gold at the 2017 MDEA Medical Design Excellence Awards.
Independent 2017 study found Levo pitch match or white noise in-ear sound helped subjects more than a bedside sound generator playing subject’s chosen ambient sound. 60 subjects.
Levo distress outcome measure = Tinnitus Functional Index. Difficult to compare to other tinnitus management approaches using Tinnitus Handicap Inventory distress outcome measure (e.g. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy, Progressive Tinnitus Management).
Fit by authorized sales distributor at hearing healthcare clinics, usually an audiologist.
Levo Average Score
Just like other approaches, the Levo lowers distress for some people with tinnitus. Levo benefit science currently is limited, but clinical trials are still ongoing. If researchers all used the same distress outcome measure, data could be pooled. The more subjects in a data pool, the more reliable the findings.
I like the idea of in-ear sound generators for sleep, and trust Apple digital sound quality. But in my opinion, the Levo is too expensive for the tech it offers. I like products with more sound type options.
Some audiologists refuse to become sales distributors, and will not fit the Levo Tinnitus System.
Other Sound Therapy Options
Levo is not the only sound therapy option. When deciding what options to choose, consider factors like sound producing devices you already own like air purifiers, fans, relaxation sound CDs, personal preferences, local availability and what you can afford. There are also free sound therapy tinnitus apps for listening from reputable hearing aid manufacturers and other sources.
Many combination hearing aids with tinnitus sound therapy feature can be programmed to match a person’s tinnitus; these new products work for people with normal hearing or hearing loss. They also have extra sound options including personal music downloads. Available free and paid apps from prescription hearing aid manufacturers include:
Phonak Tinnitus Balance Portfolio
ReSound Relief App for ReSound HAs or compatible devices
Other options include docked phone with personal sleep sound choice set to repeat or smart TV plus YouTube video. Some videos on YouTube come with 8 to 12 hour darkscreen to use for sleep sound (e.g. play coloured noise, music, nature sounds, etc.) If using, start at lowest volume and slowly turn up to make sure it’s not too loud at first and sound quality is ok).
White noise, pink noise are proven options (e.g. like waterfall or air purifier noise). Fractal music is also commonly used. Lots of options available including at myNoise.net.
For a side-by-side comparison of the Levo Tinnitus System and loads of information about other tinnitus-hyperacusis treatment, therapy, and coping approaches, check out my book Tinnitus Toolbox Hyperacusis Handbook.
