Posted on 08/16/2022 1:09:48 PM PDT by Red Badger
A new study finds clinically significant improvements in tinnitus from a mobile-phone-based therapy.
Scientists are excited by the results from a trial of a new treatment for tinnitus.
After 20 years of searching for a cure for tinnitus, researchers at the University of Auckland in New Zealand are excited by ‘encouraging results’ from a clinical trial of a mobile-phone-based therapy.
For the study, 61 patients were randomly assigned to one of two treatments. Half (31 people) were given the prototype of the new ‘digital polytherapeutic.’ The other half (30 people) used a popular self-help app producing white noise.
On average, the group with the polytherapeutic showed clinically significant improvements at 12 weeks, while the other group did not. The results were published on August 5, 2022, in the journal Frontiers in Neurology.
“This is more significant than some of our earlier work and is likely to have a direct impact on future treatment of tinnitus,” Associate Professor in Audiology Grant Searchfield says.
Key to the new treatment is an initial assessment by an audiologist who develops the personalized treatment plan. It combines a range of digital tools, based on the individual’s experience of tinnitus.
Grant Searchfield Associate Professor Grant Searchfield says this is a treatment made possible by recent technology developments. Credit: University of Auckland
“Earlier trials have found white noise, goal-based counseling, goal-oriented games, and other technology-based therapies are effective for some people some of the time,” says Dr. Searchfield.
“This is quicker and more effective, taking 12 weeks rather than 12 months for more individuals to gain some control.”
There is no pill or medication that can cure tinnitus.
“What this therapy does is essentially rewire the brain in a way that de-emphasizes the sound of the tinnitus to a background noise that has no meaning or relevance to the listener,” Dr. Searchfield says.
Dr. Phil Sanders, an audiology research fellow, says the results are exciting and he found running the trial personally rewarding.
“Sixty-five percent of participants reported an improvement. For some people, it was life-changing — where tinnitus was taking over their lives and attention.”
Although some people didn’t notice an improvement, their feedback will inform further personalization, Dr. Sanders says.
Tinnitus is a phantom noise and its underlying causes are complex. Thus far, it has defied successful treatment.
Most people experience tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, occasionally. However, around five percent or people experience it to a distressing degree. Impacts can include trouble sleeping, difficulty carrying out daily tasks, and even depression.
Dr. Searchfield says his research was inspired by seeing his patients’ distress and having no effective treatment to offer. “I wanted to make a difference.”
The next step will be to refine the prototype and proceed to larger local and international trials with a view to United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval.
The scientists hope the app will be clinically available in around six months.
Reference: “A randomized single-blind controlled trial of a prototype digital polytherapeutic for tinnitus” by Grant D. Searchfield and Philip J. Sanders, 5 August 2022, Frontiers in Neurology. DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.958730
If there's one advantage to living in the Maoist cesspool called Massachusetts it's that regardless of where you are you're within driving distance of the best healthcare in the world.
Hope you can try a pair and pray that they may help you as well!
My tinnitus is pretty bad and it gets worse whenever I drink caffeine. Coffee is my weakness.
I’ve had it bilaterally for decades. It can get to you big time to the point of madness. I have the TV on all night for distracting background noise. I’m convinced mine came from gunfire over the years. The micro injuries to hearing are cumulative.
“de-emphasizes the sound of the tinnitus to a background noise that has no meaning or relevance to the listener”
Like most of the people yammering around me, just noise.
As far as tinnitus, mine has slowly changed over the years from ringing to white noise mostly. There is never lust silence, always the rushing noise like traffic in the distance.
My audiologist pronounces it “tinnitus” but i can’t tell if I’m hearing it right.
You and me both. I've had it as long as I can remember. It varies between a nearly pure ~3khz tone and a very high pitched hiss. Never stops.
Great for working in a server room. I can't even hear the fans.
locusts
there’s that
I had tinnitus. It went away after a couple months of the carnivore diet.
When I’m talking on the phone or listening to music or a book I certainly don’t notice it as much. Is that basically what the therapy is, masking the ringing?
I play space music most of the time. Thru noise-cancelling headphones. Mrs CG hates the stuff.
so perhaps for you it was an inflammation issue
Gregorian Chants are cool. I wish my tinnitus was like Gregorian Chants.
Seriously, my tinnitus varies in sound and volume. One day it might be three different sounds simultaneously. Another day it might be a musical tone, and sometimes that tone is intense to where I can actually feel it in my head.
It doesn’t help matters any, I already wear hearing aids.
.
I have alleviated some of my tinnitus by switching to lactose free dairy products. (That also got rid of other tummy symptoms.)
My ENT doctor calls it “tin it tis”.
I hear crickets and tree frogs constantly. I told my wife, one day that will suddenly cease. Ruh roh, Shaggy.
I cured tinnitus a long time ago. Box fan by my head while I’m sleeping.
Because ear pro is for fags😉
Oh, thank God! To get rid of the ring would be glorious
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