Scientific American: "New Tinnitus Therapy Can Quiet Torturous Ringing in the Ears"

[Pluvious]

This potential breakthrough caught my eye,
as I am a victim of the Stupidity of Youth

But so many people have this condition which is so much worse than my own,
my heart goes out to them

A combination of acoustic and electrical stimulation reduces tinnitus by half
By Anton Benz
July 13, 2023

So the whistling and ringing in the ears caused by tinnitus is not purely a disease of the brain’s auditory system. Up to 80 percent of people with the condition have the so-called somatic form, in which the disturbing noises are generated or altered by head or neck movements. In a recent clinical trial, Susan Shore of the University of Michigan and her colleagues used a new procedure to significantly alleviate the symptoms of tinnitus. “I think the study represents hope for all sufferers,” says tinnitus expert Berthold Langguth of the University of Regensburg in Germany, who was not involved with the research.

Shore’s team developed a “bisensory” treatment consisting of an in-ear headphone and two externally attached electrodes that delivered a combination of acoustic and electric stimuli to reduce activity in the DCN. The level of stimulation was individualized to each person’s tinnitus. The study involved 99 people with somatic tinnitus, each of whom were given a prototype device for home treatment over the course of the study.

Participants in the experimental group underwent the procedure for 30 minutes daily for six weeks during the study’s first phase. Those in the control group also attached the electrodes near their ear and on their neck, but the electrical impulse was absent—they received a purely acoustic treatment. Because the electrical impulses were not perceptible, none of the participants knew who belonged to which group.

After a six-week break, which was the second phase of the study, the protocol shifted for phase three: each of the two groups received the opposite treatment for another six weeks. After the first phase, the tinnitus in the experimental group was already reduced significantly, and the treatment provided meaningful clinical benefits. The participants’ tinnitus was perceived as only half as loud on average after phase one. Even during the treatment break, the situation continued to improve. The effect lasted up to 36 weeks. “In my estimation, this is a very promising procedure,” Langguth says. Shore now wants to move the new method quickly through the approval process and then onto the market.

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/new-tinnitus-therapy-can-quiet-torturous-ringing-in-the-ears/

[DetroitLegalBeagle]

1. interesting

I'll have to keep an eye on this. I have tinnitus now(ear pro in iraq was optional and not that effective to begin with) and am worried it will get worse as I get older.

[BSdetect]

2. Tinitus seems to come and go (never 100% gone) for mw.

Sometimes quite loud and verging on painful.

Sometimes I feel it has almost stopped.

I guess they took these factors into account when evaluating the treatment?

Hope it does prove to be helpful.

[Disaffected]

3. I'm aware of two simple methods for temporarily reducing tinnitus.

It is only effective for a few minutes but I find it especially useful for times when tinnitus interferes with falling asleep.

The first, which I discovered myself, is simply place a finger in the affected ear(s) and press downward fairly hard. It isn't necessary to keep the ear canal plugged with the finger - just pressing down on the outer portion works. After five seconds or so, release the pressure and the tinnitus volume level is reduced by about one-half (at least that's how it works for me, YMMV).

The second is to place a thumb or larger finger in the ear sufficiently enough to form a seal. Move the thumb or finger in and out a bit to simulate a pumping sensation (keeping it inserted far enough to keep the seal). Do this for five seconds or so and the effect seems to be the same as the first procedure. I found this method on YouTube BTW and it was presented by a chiropractor of all things (yeah, I know).

Anyhow, it goes without saying that none of this should be done if it causes pain or significant discomfort and, it may not work for everyone.

[rebe303]

9. Thanks so much

Good info

[Disaffected]

16. YW.

I'd be interested in "hearing" if it works for you.

[Sympthsical]

15. Head tapping works for me

I've had very, very low grade tinnitus without hearing loss since birth. Most sounds in the background obscure it (a fan running on low). Only when it's dead silent and I pay attention does it crop up. Some years back I learned:

"Put the palms of your hands over your ears with your fingers placed on the back of your head at the base of your skull. Using your index fingers, tap the back of your head about 50 times."

Sometimes if I've gotten no sleep or am crazy stressed, the tinnitus aggravates to becoming very noticeable. That's when I do that. Kills it dead for me.

[Grumpy Old Guy]

17. I've used this method too.

I think I found it on YouTube. Works great!

[Disaffected]

20. How long does it last

for you b/f the tinnitus returns??

[Grumpy Old Guy]

29. It's difficult to say.

I think it lasts about an hour or so. My tinnitus comes and goes, so it's difficult to say for sure. It may not completely squelch it, but it definitely lowers the volume down to a more comfortable level.

[Disaffected]

19. I just tried that.

And it worked!

It appears to me that tinnitus is, at least in some cases, related to some physical condition within the inner ear and that manual manipulation can provide at least temporary relief.

This is BTW contrary to the commonly held belief that it originates within the brain. My own doctor in fact told me that when I asked if anything could be done about it.

I hope others here can try these things are report what their results are.

[Sympthsical]

28. It's no doubt neuronal

Considering hair cell damage can result in it.

Then you have the ones like me who've had it for as long as they can remember. I didn't even know I wasn't supposed to be hearing it until aged 12 or so. Genetic, something during embryonic and fetal development, maybe damage from early childhood ear infection or fever. Who knows.

I have seen claims it's neurological. Maybe in some cases. But all the evidence lends itself to either congenital flaw or neuronal and cell damage in the ear.

[Disaffected]

33. Here's what ChatGPT has to say about causes:

..................

Exposure to loud noise: Prolonged or sudden exposure to loud sounds, such as concerts, explosions, or machinery noise, can damage the delicate structures of the inner ear and lead to tinnitus.

Age-related hearing loss: Gradual hearing loss associated with aging (presbycusis) can contribute to the development of tinnitus. As the auditory system ages, it becomes less efficient, and tinnitus may occur as a result.

Earwax blockage: Accumulation of earwax in the ear canal can cause tinnitus by obstructing the sound waves from reaching the inner ear properly.

Ear and sinus infections: Infections in the ear or sinuses can cause inflammation and fluid buildup, affecting the normal functioning of the auditory system and leading to tinnitus.

Ménière's disease: This inner ear disorder is characterized by symptoms like vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. The exact cause of Ménière's disease is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of factors, including fluid buildup in the inner ear.

Medications: Certain medications, such as high doses of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antibiotics (e.g., gentamicin), some cancer drugs, and diuretics, have been associated with tinnitus as a potential side effect.

Head and neck injuries: Traumatic injuries to the head or neck, such as whiplash or skull fractures, can damage the auditory system and lead to tinnitus.

Medical conditions: Tinnitus can be associated with various underlying medical conditions, including cardiovascular disorders, high blood pressure, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, thyroid problems, and certain autoimmune diseases.

..............

Similar searching reveals nothing though in any treatment related to physical manipulation as has been discussed here. I suppose we should keep in mind that all the remedies presented here are of the personal experience and anecdotal nature so we must be careful about what conclusions can be drawn. It does appear however that something may be going on which AFAIK has not been recognized by the conventional medical system.

[I_UndergroundPanther]

4. Wow I have tinitus

It sucks,the screaming crickets.

[Fullduplexxx]

11. That's what mine sound like endless crickets

[leftyladyfrommo]

21. Mine is cicadas. It always sounds like a summer night. nt

[Martin Eden]

35. Same here, and they pulsate

It's relentless, never stops.

[Delphinus]

38. Yep.

It was over 30 years ago - I had hurt my back, went to the ER, got drugs, was sent home, and it was during the course of those drugs that the noise started. I can't recall what pain reliever it was (opioid).

[Martin Eden]

39. Mine slowly developed over the last 20 years

I'm 65 now, and plan to seek medical attention soon.

Though not in great physical shape I'm still active, playing in a local softball league. I spend my vacation time hiking & backpacking. It's when I 'm far from manmade noise that the tinnitus really permeates.

[Cheezoholic]

5. I have severe tinnitus

Last edited Fri Jul 14, 2023, 03:30 PM - Edit history (2)

I've had it since I was a child. It is such a frustrating condition. Mine sounds like microphone feedback only constant nonstop. I have been to so many audiologists I gave up decades ago. I have gone through nearly every treatment out there. Had one Dr. tell me it was from listening to "loud rock music". Fuck that quack. The constant "beam" of sound is a perfect A note, 440khz. Tuned noise canceling doesn't work, it amplifies it. It is so loud it's nearly all I can hear unless I tune it out. That is I mentally try to extinguish it.

When I do that people think I'm ignoring them but I am listening but listening through my own artificial mental filter I have developed unknowingly to survive. I've have had severe ADHD my entire life and I can guarantee over 50% of the cause is this tinnitus. Tuning it out involves letting my mind drift and not focus on anything. Its still there but after I do that I'm not paying as much attention to it, therefore I can follow a stream of concentration better for short periods. I'm an expert at it but outwardly its perceived as many different negative kinds of social behavior.

The only way I can explain how loud it is is think about sticking your head in Jimi Hendrix's speaker cabinet 24/7. It is that loud. I used to cry when I was a kid and wish I was deaf. But in the 60''s and 70's the treatment was stop feeding your kids hot dogs because of the red dye in them.

And that's the worst part. Trying to explain it to people. They usually just scoff or think you're making excuses. It has caused major major social issues in my life until I came to grips with it. I was extremely introverted when I was young because I had not yet learned how to adapt(that took until my 30's). There really are some of us out there that this condition can rule their lives with an iron fist. It can be insidious. There still are points every day when I have to get by myself for varying period of times and use my self coping mechanisms. It never goes away and is just as loud now as it was when I was 5.

I've often wondered if this condition wasn't the reason for suicides, being declared mad, being possessed, being accused of being a witch amongst other disorders before modern medicine and those poor people being institutionalized, outcast or even burned at the stake for even mentioning it.

It truly can be a debilitating condition so if you have friends or family who say they suffer from this listen to them. It''s real and there is no magic fix.

Edit: Help if I could spell it lol

[Elessar Zappa]

6. I'm so sorry you've had to deal with it.

I hope the innovations described in the article will be able to help you.

[Artcatt]

10. I'm sorry this plagues you

[Hekate]

14. I had no idea. Thank you for sharing that very comprehensive description with us...

I hope this new treatment finds its way to you, and that it works for you.

All the best.

[Cheezoholic]

27. I don't have that kind

Prophylactic style treatments may help many with somatic forms but mine isn't that type. My ears are normal, I have normal hearing. I wish I could stick a microphone in there so people could hear it. It is just one loud constant tone. No crickets, no ringing.

[Hekate]

30. sigh I hope something, someday, helps.

[Prairie_Seagull]

34. High pitched whine for over 40 years. I am told that the whines pitch is the same pitch-

your ears are in the process of loosing. I have not found this to be the case. Same whine for over 40 years.
Some times gets louder for a time then abates. Could be so much worse and sorry that it is for some. I tease myself that one day I will have a conical shaped devise up to my ear like a TV character. Pettycoat junction maybe. Eh, you young wippersnappers.

[Ferrets are Cool]

18. I could have written this almost word for word.

I spent 4K on hearing aids last year because they said it might reduce the tinnitus. It hasn't. Yes, it's real.

[Cheezoholic]

31. I have had one nightmare in my entire life

Only one, I've never had another and I am a vivid lucid dreamer. I'm one of those that can actually participate in my dreams, make decisions to alter them sometimes' I can wake up, go to the bathroom, go back to sleep and pick my dream up right where it left off. But only one truly scary dream in my life.

I was 4 and my mother left me and my brother in the car to run into the grocery store real quick. It was late evening and there was a huge thunderstorm cloud in the distance. Suddenly a huge figure that looked like Mr. Clean emerged from behind the storm cloud, picked the car up and started throwing it in the air like a ball, my brother and I bouncing all over the place. Mr. Clean then set the car back down in the parking lot and my mom got in the car and off we went. Scared the shit out my little 4 year old ass. So... maybe I was abducted by Mr. Clean aliens when I was 4 and I'm hearing their communication implant! I got nothin else after 55 years lol

[mn9driver]

7. I'll be following this closely.

It would be nice to not have that constant noise

[rebe303]

8. Thanks so much

I have been using gingko biloba for many years but it only lessens it temporarily. This is wonderful news I hope those also Tinnitus suffering can do it!

[mitch96]

12. I've had this condition for about 15-20 years with associated hearing loss.. It was a double wamy

When I was 8 or so a bicycle tire exploded next to my head.. My fault. I was def for few days but sound eventually came back.
Next was I have ridden motorcycles for long distances for many many years. Yes I used ear plugs and the quietest helmets I could find. After a few years I would have ringing in my ears after a long ride but it would eventually go away. One day, it did not go away.
I'm fortunate it is a low hiss that most of the time I don't notice. Usually I notice it when it's quiet. Like now. I'll give the techniques a try, tnx!
I have done many CT scans and MRI's on people with severe tinnitus. The doctors were looking for some underlying cause like a brain tumor or bleed.
One gent told me he was at wits end and wanted to kill him self. I wonder what ever happened to him. I told my boss about it and gave her the gent's name and she said she would look into it... ? call the md?
m

[vanlassie]

24. I met a man at a party who's son had recently opened a

hearing aid clinic. That was how we got to comparing our tinnitus. He said he had also considered suicide. I went to see his son and that was how my right ear hearing loss was identified as a calcified stapes bone. I got it replaced and my hearing was miraculously restored. BUT. My tinnitus was unchanged. I met another doctor who told me his tinnitus emanated from the center of the back of his head. He had scans to rule out tumors as well. I was so grateful that mine is less debilitating. I also practice “not to notice” it.

[Warpy]

13. Mine came from high dose aspirin therapy in the early 70s

which partially wrecked my hearing and chewed holes in my stomach, no matter how much food was in there. I rebelled after a few weeks. Most of the hearing loss resolved, but I still have a lot of high pitched ringing. At least it no longer changes pitch when I move my head.

I did stage lighting for concerts in my own misspent youth, but we used heavy duty hearing protection, so I'm not experiencing much damage there.

But the damned aspirin, that was permanent. Early RA treatments were brutal. I decided they were worse than the disease.

[leftyladyfrommo]

23. I think that was what caused mine. I used to

get really bad cramps and I would take 4 aspirin.

[Warpy]

25. I was on the equivalent of 22 tablets a day

and it wasn't touching the pain, just giving some minor help with the swelling.

So I stopped it.

So many RA treatments that focused on the inflammation have turned out to be busts, some of them lethal like Zomax and Vioxx. NSAIDs burned out a lot of kidneys out there before they realized that one.

Mild opiates should be one of the first line drugs during flares. I got them for my cramps pre RA diagnosis and I'd get really ambitious on them, cleaning my room, riding my bike for miles, that sort of thing. You'd think that would have rung someone's clue phone but no, we got Nixon and his WoD instead.

[leftyladyfrommo]

36. My niece has RA. I think hers is real up and down. nt

[Jilly_in_VA]

22. I learned awhile back

that much tinnitus is not in the ears themselves, but actually in the BRAIN. So much for that.....

[StClone]

26. Anyone with post-COVID related tinnitus?

I noted the tsss tsss tssssssssk sounding tinnitus after I had covid.
In my head, it sounded amazing like the Common Meadow Katydid singing

.

My balance and digestive system were also affected after covid. If it is a cure of some effect for tinnitus that would be a relief.

[Mosby]

32. I have pretty bad tinnitus

It usually doesn't bother be unless I start thinking about it (like now) it does get worse depending on my neck position.

Normally I only notice it when is starts changing frequencies, otherwise it just fades into the background.

[leftyladyfrommo]

37. Mine gets worse with aspirin or allergy pills. When it

Gets bad I hear singing far away. Sometimes it's a man's voice but I can't make out any words. It really messes with my hearing.

[Grasswire2]

40. I have pulsatile tinnitus, bilaterally

And it evidently is caused by plaque in the bifurcation of my carotid arteries.

A remedy could be surgery to remove the plaque, but it is risky for a stroke.

The vascular surgeon who did stent the artery in my leg is hesitant to do anything about the carotid artery because of the risk of stroke.

And so I suffer. Audiology department won't even see a patient who has bilateral tinnitus.

Mine has gotten significantly worse in the last several months.