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
>> aural migraine
I recall a pic you posted that’s an amazing representation of the aura. But I don’t get that degree of color saturation. FWIW, I take 2 Aleve (naproxen) which clears the symptoms in ~20 minutes.
My tinnitus might be hereditary and complicated by loud music (guitar amps, drums...)
That could be the cause of yours.
Lol
I should have worded that better.
I am losing my hearing and now I have musical tinnitus. It never stops.
“I have musical tinnitus. It never stops.”
I have non-stop musical tinnitus also but is caused by a medication I take. It stops a couple days after stopping the medication so it doesn’t concern me much. Interestingly, the medication increases synaptic dopamine in certain parts of the brain — clue?
yup... the band was responsible as much as the gunfire
Well... You can’t shut me up... I have tinnitus and I’ve had it for more than 20 years and I have accepted that I have it. Another ailment that I’ve had for 20 years that has supposedly has cures that cost tons of money and do absolutely nothing for you... Sleep apnea... The only cure that actually works for me... I wake up.
... living in the Maoist cesspool called Taxachusetts it's that ...
Fixed it.
I feel your pain, I live in the People's Republic of Washington, 50 miles north of the San-Fran-Freak-O, of the north, formerly known as Seattle.
When I have to visit the jungle of commie's, it brings out my feminine side:
Do I wear my 45, (seventeen-shot) or go with the 9mm (seventeen-shot) Glock.
Decisions, decisions. Yes sir, the Paradox of choice, can be maddening.
However,there is a ballot question this November to establish a graduated income tax.Many previous attempts to do so have failed but given that this state is more Maoist than it's ever been I fear it might pass. Their campaign is...wait for it..."it's simply a millionaires' tax". Yah,right!
Dentist’s drill in my left ear 24/7.
NSAIDS of any kind can do it, especially aspirin....................
I’ve heard it ‘tin-I-tis’ and ‘tin-uh-tis, so it’s either /or..................
I want to be on the tinnitus ping list.
if you have insurance you can get a cpap for free.
that solved my sleep apnea and greatly improved my sleep.
Now, wink, wink, do you as a millionaire, drive the same Rolls Royce everyday, or have one for each day of the month.
Inquiring minds want to know? LOL
don’t take aleve or any nsid for long periods of time.
you risk getting heart problems.
cell salts - #7 Kali Sulph and #12 Silicea
I don’t quite understand this.
are these the cbd gummies sold by Donna and Rosy Khalife who won over the Shark Tank panel? this link is url shortened.
shorturl.at/efht5
Or is this something that you google for 12 silica. Here’s something from swansons. (i’ve used a url shortener)
shorturl.at/EIJ78
and then google 7 kali sulph. Here’s a url shortened amazon listing.
https://amzn.to/3bZBM8d
I was refering to the 12 silica. The Amazon link in correct for the #7. They are very tiny pills that desolve quickly with no taste.
I have had tinnitus since I was a kid. It has gotten worse as I lost hearing in my right ear.
I couple years I developed the worst kind of tinnitus I can imagine: pulsatile. My heartbeat constantly pounding in my head would keep me stressed all day and keep me awake at night. I finally realized it was related to eating citrus. I was eating a lot of citrus when I thought fruit in my diet was healthy. When I gave up fruit as part of going low carb the pulsatile tinnitus went away. I have tested it a few times and confirmed if I eat a piece of whole citrus like orange, clementine or grapefruit I will have at least several hours of my heartbeat pounding in my head. I can drink water with a little bit of lemon juice and that doesn’t set it off.
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