The AudioNotch Tinnitus Treatment Blog
Is Tinnitus under-appreciated by the Canadian Military?
A sad case of a veteran unable to acquire effective treatment for his tinnitus:
The couple has tried desperately to get help for tinnitus, which is treatable.
Back in 2008, Veterans Affairs’ own medical examiner acknowledged that Rainville has tinnitus, and since then, they have been fighting for funding for specialized treatment at a Montreal clinic.
“I did all the steps that they wanted,” Rainville said. It’s still pending. I don’t know what they’re doing.”
Estimates for the treatment shows an initial evaluation would cost $620, but it’s money the family doesn’t have.
Former veterans’ ombudsman Col. Pat Stogran, who has in the past criticized the government for denying veterans much-needed services and benefits, recognizes the hardship.
“600 bucks is chump change, but it could be life defining for some people,” Stogran told CTV News.
“Now I can’t work anymore, I have to stay with him,” Migneault said. “His tinnitus affects his driving. The ends of the month are tough sometimes. I’m a great cook. I can cook with nothing.”
After being contacted by CTV News, Veterans’ Affairs said it’s directed officials to reach out to Rainville immediately, to ensure he gets what he needs.
Rainville says he just wants to get better. “I want my quality of life,” he said.
It seems likely that the Montreal Tinnitus Clinic is the clinic referred to in the article. One of the treatments they provide for tinnitus – TMS – has been shown to be ineffective.
The challenge with treating tinnitus is that many available treatments are still in the early phases of research, so without high quality evidence, the government is reluctant to fund them.