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Significant Breakthrough in Search for Tinnitus Cure
Scitech Daily ^ | By UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND - AUGUST 15, 2022

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


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Health/Medicine; Military/Veterans; Society
KEYWORDS: huh; ringing; what; whatsthat
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To: Chode
best explanation i’ve ever heard...

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.

21 posted on 08/16/2022 1:35:57 PM PDT by Gay State Conservative (Covid Is All About Mail In Ballots)
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To: Uncle Miltie
My tinnitus started about 2 years ago and isn't too, too bad - yet. However, I was given a pair of Apple AirPods which I wear watching tv while on my rowing machine for 30 minutes each day. I hear no ringing/roar while wearing them.

Hope you can try a pair and pray that they may help you as well!

22 posted on 08/16/2022 1:37:34 PM PDT by Quilla
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To: Red Badger

My tinnitus is pretty bad and it gets worse whenever I drink caffeine. Coffee is my weakness.


23 posted on 08/16/2022 1:38:17 PM PDT by Mr. N. Wolfe
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To: ComputerGuy

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.


24 posted on 08/16/2022 1:42:49 PM PDT by Bonemaker (invictus maneo)
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To: Red Badger

“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.


25 posted on 08/16/2022 1:45:13 PM PDT by doorgunner69 (Let's go Brandon)
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To: Red Badger

My audiologist pronounces it “tinnitus” but i can’t tell if I’m hearing it right.


26 posted on 08/16/2022 1:45:15 PM PDT by Fester Chugabrew ("Poets have been mysteriously silent on the subject of cheese." -G.K. Chesterton)
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To: AloneInMass
I can’t wait. I’ve never known silence my whole life.

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.

27 posted on 08/16/2022 1:46:19 PM PDT by The Chid
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To: alloysteel

locusts


28 posted on 08/16/2022 1:46:31 PM PDT by Chode (there is no fall back position, there's no rally point, there is no LZ... we're on our own. #FJB)
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To: Gay State Conservative

there’s that


29 posted on 08/16/2022 1:48:14 PM PDT by Chode (there is no fall back position, there's no rally point, there is no LZ... we're on our own. #FJB)
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To: Red Badger

I had tinnitus. It went away after a couple months of the carnivore diet.


30 posted on 08/16/2022 1:50:28 PM PDT by Varda
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To: Uncle Miltie

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?


31 posted on 08/16/2022 1:50:47 PM PDT by hardspunned (former GOP globalist stooge)
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To: Bonemaker

I play space music most of the time. Thru noise-cancelling headphones. Mrs CG hates the stuff.


32 posted on 08/16/2022 1:54:42 PM PDT by ComputerGuy (Heavily-medicated for your protection)
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To: Varda

so perhaps for you it was an inflammation issue


33 posted on 08/16/2022 1:59:22 PM PDT by RummyChick
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To: Red Badger

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.


34 posted on 08/16/2022 1:59:42 PM PDT by telescope115 (Proud member of the ANTIFAuci movement. )
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.


35 posted on 08/16/2022 2:02:13 PM PDT by mad_as_he$$ (Don't rush to your death.)
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To: TChad

I have alleviated some of my tinnitus by switching to lactose free dairy products. (That also got rid of other tummy symptoms.)


36 posted on 08/16/2022 2:03:37 PM PDT by married21 (As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.)
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To: Fester Chugabrew

My ENT doctor calls it “tin it tis”.


37 posted on 08/16/2022 2:07:06 PM PDT by Gay State Conservative (Covid Is All About Mail In Ballots)
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To: Red Badger

I hear crickets and tree frogs constantly. I told my wife, one day that will suddenly cease. Ruh roh, Shaggy.


38 posted on 08/16/2022 2:12:18 PM PDT by crusty old prospector
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To: Red Badger

I cured tinnitus a long time ago. Box fan by my head while I’m sleeping.

Because ear pro is for fags😉


39 posted on 08/16/2022 2:14:24 PM PDT by This_Dude
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To: Uncle Miltie

Oh, thank God! To get rid of the ring would be glorious


40 posted on 08/16/2022 2:15:22 PM PDT by freepertoo
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