ASML Employee Transforms Personal Tinnitus Struggle into Innovative Solution
Eindhoven, Monday, 24 March 2025.
Roel van Gorkum, an ASML employee, overcame tinnitus through self-developed techniques. His online course ‘Sus Tinnitus’ helps others, reporting significant success in reducing symptoms for patients.
The Journey Begins
In 2018, a seemingly routine kitesurfing incident changed Roel van Gorkum’s life when a wave impact triggered tinnitus in his ear [1]. At the time, van Gorkum was working at ASML, where long hours and stressful commutes intensified his condition [1]. ‘Tinnitus becomes a problem when you have a lot of stress. Your body is then in a complete state of panic,’ van Gorkum explains [1].
Developing an Innovative Solution
After extensive research into various treatment methods, including tinnitus retraining therapy in the United States and mindfulness/cognitive therapy in the Netherlands, van Gorkum developed a comprehensive approach to managing the condition [1]. This led to the creation of ‘Sus Tinnitus,’ an online course that combines videos, a workbook, and an app, which took over a year to develop [1]. The program, priced at 697 euros for the version including personal guidance, is typically covered by employers [1].
Proven Results
Recent clinical validation has demonstrated the program’s effectiveness. A study published in February 2025 in the Journal of Clinical Medicine revealed significant improvements in 91 out of 122 patients. Those who had experienced tinnitus for three months or less showed an average reduction of 37 points on the Tinnitus Functional Index [1]. Van Gorkum’s initiative represents a breakthrough in health technology, having already helped over 1,000 individuals, with an ambitious goal of reaching 10,000 patients [1].
Future Challenges
Despite its proven success, the program faces challenges in gaining coverage from healthcare insurers [1]. However, van Gorkum remains committed to his mission, stating, ‘I wanted to always be an inventor and help people’ [1]. This innovation in health technology demonstrates how personal experience can drive meaningful solutions in healthcare [2].