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
Sounds like good news.
I’ve had longstanding tinnitus which got permanently worse after my first COVID shot.
Mine is a steady hissing tone.
That however is much more bearable than the jingling bells.
Those drove me insane.
I have hundreds of crickets in my ears.
“But if they ever went entirely silent, I would miss my chorus of crickets..”.
I have crickets, too. The little devils never quit.
That’s very possible. It started after my hysterectomy. I was so relieved when it went away. It was incredibly loud.
I have it. Started after a vaccine. I believe mine is inflammation related. getting ready to do the Whole30 diet to see what it does for pain, etc. I am forgoing nightshades as part of this also although you dont have to on this diet.
There is no cure for tinnitus, and there never will be... Get over it. Your ears ring and they will ring until the day you die and the sooner you stop obsessing over it, the better off you will be.
I listened to examples of tinnitus and I really feel for anyone who has it. This site gives examples of the sounds.
So… what is a digital polytherapeutic? Does a doctor drive nails through your eardrums or sumthin?
I know this may sound a bit out there, but I have experienced mild tinnitus over the past year or so. My better half did some research and came up with a treatment for me that has worked. I started taking cell salts - #7 Kali Sulph and #12 Silicea. Four small tablets under the tongue a couple of times a day for about a week. The reduction of phantom noise was almost immediate. If it comes back, I start taking them again. Do your own research.....YMMV
So you suffer from both tinnitus and migraines?
Aren’t you a barrel of hope and joy.
Bilateral tinnitus,three different tones, from firing a rifle without ear protection. Killed a rabid raccoon and my hearing. Years ago, Visited with an ENT after audiologist referral, ex Army doctor was “all in your head”, “control freak”, “stress”.
My comment after his rant was “So, doc, I know you think you’re helping, but you’ve never actually had tinnitus, have you?” Shut him right up.
I’ve tried all that stuff. I need to see a hell of a lot more than 31 people singing hallelujah to get my notice.
I’ve got the swish, swish type of pulsatile tinnitus... Left-side only. I have some high-frequency hearing loss there too. Guessing the tinnitus is in that band and is sort of like ‘phantom pain’ that amputees get.
Thankfully mine kind of faded. It is still there and real quiet means it comes back. At first it was terrible. All I heard all day.
Hopefully I can get some relief. It keeps me up at night to the point I usually have to fall asleep with music in my earphones.
yes, aural migraine
the tinnitus is hearing loss from gunfire, no idea where the migraines come from
I can tune it out. Mine is thanks to seeing Motorhead live, circa 1983. :)
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