http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/tinnitus/ Read about the latest medical research on tinnitus. Find out about new treatments. en-us Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:05:01 EST Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/tinnitus/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201092301.htm A new study finds new evidence that touch-sensing nerve cells may fuel tinnitus. Future treatments may target these cells. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201092301.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110912144247.htm People with tinnitus -- a constant ringing or buzzing in the ears -- can take heart from a new study by neuroscientists that points to several new strategies for alleviating the problem. In experiments on rats, researchers have shown that tinnitus results from decreased inhibition in the auditory cortex. Thus, training that boosts inhibition or drugs that increase the levels of inhibitory neurotransmitter may alleviate the symptoms. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110912144247.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110902083737.htm Loud noise, especially repeated loud noise, is known to cause irreversible damage to the hair cells inside the cochlea and eventually lead to deafness. In mammals this is irreversible. However, both birds and fish are able to re-grow the damaged hair cells and restore hearing. New research shows that growth hormone is involved in this regeneration in zebrafish. Fri, 02 Sep 2011 08:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110902083737.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110418152322.htm Tinnitus, a relentless ringing in the ears known to disable soldiers exposed to blasts, unwary listeners of too-loud music and millions more, is the result of under-inhibition of key neural pathways in the brain's auditory center, say scientists. The discovery could lead to effective treatment for a condition that currently has no cure. Mon, 18 Apr 2011 15:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110418152322.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110405122324.htm Research shows that vibrations in the inner ear continue even after a sound has ended, perhaps serving as a kind of mechanical memory of recent sounds. In addition to contributing to the understanding of the complex process of sound perception, the results may shed light on other fascinating aspects of the auditory system, such as why some gaps between sounds are too brief to be perceived by the human ear. Tue, 05 Apr 2011 12:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110405122324.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110223124139.htm Whether on a battlefield, in a factory or at a rock concert, noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common hazards people face. Researchers have identified a low-dose, two-drug cocktail that reduces hearing loss in mice when given before they are exposed to loud noise. Wed, 23 Feb 2011 12:41:41 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110223124139.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110208091555.htm A woman from Portsmouth has received a totally implantable hearing aid thanks to the work of the South of England Cochlear Implant Centre (SOECIC), based at the University of Southampton. Tue, 08 Feb 2011 09:15:15 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110208091555.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110125091822.htm Although tinnitus was reported as the main sleep disrupting factor, hearing impairment among workers exposed to harmful noise contributed to sleep impairment, especially to insomnia, regardless of age and years of exposure. Tue, 25 Jan 2011 09:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110125091822.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110112132130.htm Targeted nerve stimulation could yield a long-term reversal of tinnitus, a debilitating hearing impairment affecting at least 10 percent of senior citizens and up to 40 percent of military veterans, according to a new article. Wed, 12 Jan 2011 13:21:21 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110112132130.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110112122504.htm Tinnitus appears to be produced by an unfortunate confluence of structural and functional changes in the brain, say neuroscientists. Wed, 12 Jan 2011 12:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110112122504.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110106092034.htm Driving convertible cars with the top open at speeds exceeding 88.5 kilometres per hour (55 miles per hour) may put drivers at increased risk of noise-induced hearing loss, according to new research. Thu, 06 Jan 2011 09:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110106092034.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101210095530.htm Tinnitus -- what many think of as "ringing in the ears" -- is the perception of sound without any real acoustic stimulation. Sound masking therapy, a common component of tinnitus treatment, is of uncertain benefit when used on its own, a new evidence review finds. Fri, 10 Dec 2010 09:55:55 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101210095530.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101207121433.htm Surgery to remove tumors under the brain known as acoustic neuromas produces favorable outcomes in the "vast majority" of patients, according to one of the largest studies of its kind. Tue, 07 Dec 2010 12:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101207121433.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101201095544.htm Age-related hearing loss, one of the four most prevalent chronic conditions in the elderly, is associated with low serum levels of folic acid, according to new research. Wed, 01 Dec 2010 09:55:55 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101201095544.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101007111455.htm Tinnitus is common among elderly Nigerians and associated with treatable health conditions like otitis media, rhinosinusitis, head injury and hypertension, according to new research. Thu, 07 Oct 2010 11:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101007111455.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100831221525.htm Personal listening devices like iPods have become increasingly popular among young -- and not-so-young -- people in recent years. But music played through headphones too loud or too long might pose a significant risk to hearing, according to a 24-year study of adolescent girls. Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100831221525.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100820072151.htm Some 600 cases of noise-induced hearing impairment are reported by the Norwegian petroleum industry every year. A new, intelligent earplug is now set to alleviate the problem. The international energy company Statoil ASA has led efforts to further develop a combined hearing protection and communication product for use on offshore platforms. The QUIETPRO hearing protection and communication device was originally developed for military use by the Trondheim-based company Nacre AS. The company's customers include the United States Army, which uses QUIETPRO devices in armoured vehicles. Fri, 20 Aug 2010 07:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100820072151.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100817161100.htm Data from two nationally representative surveys indicates that the prevalence of hearing loss among US adolescents increased by about 30 percent from 1988-1994 to 2005-2006, with 1 in 5 adolescents having hearing loss in 2005-2006, according to a new study. Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100817161100.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100719205636.htm Regularly using a mobile phone for at least four years seems to be associated with a doubling in the risk of developing chronic tinnitus (persistent ringing/roaring/hissing in the ear), indicates a small study. Mon, 19 Jul 2010 20:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100719205636.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100630071258.htm Researchers from New Zealand have discovered that a potent new drug restores hearing after noise-induced hearing loss in rats. The landmark discovery found that injection of an agent called 'ADAC' activates adenosine receptors in cochlear tissues, resulting in recovery of hearing function. The finding paves the way for effective non-surgical therapies to restore hearing loss after noise-induced injury. Wed, 30 Jun 2010 07:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100630071258.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100629170916.htm Researchers have identified a mechanism the brain uses to help process sound localization. Their findings focus on how the brain computes the different arrival times of sound into each ear to estimate the location of its source. Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:09:09 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100629170916.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100623123338.htm About 40 million people in the US today suffer from tinnitus, an irritating and sometimes debilitating auditory disorder in which a person "hears" sounds, such as ringing, that don't actually exist. There isn't a cure for what has long been a mysterious ailment, but new research suggests there may, someday, be a way to alleviate the sensation of this sound. Wed, 23 Jun 2010 12:33:33 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100623123338.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100621173735.htm A history of ear tubes to treat infections does not appear to adversely affect children with cochlear implants, regardless of whether the tubes are left in place or removed before implantation, according to a new study. Mon, 21 Jun 2010 17:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100621173735.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100601072644.htm Sound repetition allows us to memorize complex sounds in a very quick, effective and durable way. According to new research, this form of auditory learning is believed to occur in daily life to help us identify and memorize sound patterns; it allows, for example, immediate recognition of sounds which become familiar through experience, such as the voice of relatives. The same mechanism is involved in the relearning of certain sounds, in particular when using hearing aids. Tue, 01 Jun 2010 07:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100601072644.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100504155411.htm By the time they reach school age, one in 20 children have hearing loss in one ear. That can raise significant hurdles for these children, say the results of a new study, because loss of hearing in one ear hurts their ability to comprehend and use language. Tue, 04 May 2010 15:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100504155411.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100503111525.htm An in vivo study shows for the first time that there is a local stress-response system within the cochlea that mirrors the signaling pathways of the body's fight or flight response. This hormone-like signaling system of the inner ear sets baseline hearing sensitivity and helps protect against noise-induced hearing loss. Mon, 03 May 2010 11:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100503111525.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100428085849.htm Musicians have hearing problems caused by prolonged exposure to sound. This also applies to performers of classical music, who are exposed to high sound levels. Hearing problems also affect the musicians’ experience of their working environment. Stress and experiencing the working environment as noisy are associated with hearing problems. Although musicians are worried about their hearing, the use of hearing protectors is rare. Wed, 28 Apr 2010 08:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100428085849.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100209091842.htm Subtle head motions are amplified by inner-ear hair cells before the signal is reported to the brain, report scientists. In both the auditory and the vestibular systems, hair cell response is nonlinear: the lower the strength of the stimulus, the more the hair cell amplifies the signal. Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100209091842.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100118161937.htm Some complications may occur in children receiving cochlear implants, and are highly correlated with trauma to the ear area and inner ear malformation, according to a new report. Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100118161937.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100112121936.htm New research has found giving up caffeine does not relieve tinnitus and acute caffeine withdrawal might add to the problem. This is the first study of its kind to look at the effect of caffeine consumption on tinnitus. Tue, 12 Jan 2010 12:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100112121936.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110141844.htm In a new study, psychologists are able to see in detail for the first time how various regions of the human brain respond when people experience an unexpected or traumatic event. The study could lead to the creation of biological measures that could identify people with post-traumatic stress disorder or identify PTSD sufferers who would benefit from specific treatments. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110141844.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103102349.htm One in seven people worldwide will suffer from tinnitus (ringing in the ears) at some point. It is the most common injury arising from the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq and 75 pecent of 18 to 30 year-olds who go to nightclubs and concerts may experience temporary tinnitus. A research review (150 papers over 25 years) suggests that 94 percent of people are told nothing can be done. But help is at hand. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103102349.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022114319.htm Researchers say they have, for what is believed to be the first time, managed to measure and record the elusive electrical activity of the type II neurons in the snail-shell-like structure called the cochlea. And it turns out the cells do indeed carry signals from the ear to the brain, and the sounds they likely respond to would need to be loud, such as sirens or alarms that might be even be described as painful or traumatic. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022114319.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006134812.htm Drivers who frequently take to the road with the top down may be risking serious damage to their hearing, according to new research. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006134812.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091004141223.htm A new study finds that a non-invasive imaging technique can aid in the diagnosis of tinnitus and may detect a reduction in symptoms after different treatments, offering hope to the more than 50 million patients with tinnitus. Sun, 04 Oct 2009 14:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091004141223.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623090705.htm New research demonstrates humans' right ear preference for listening. We humans prefer to be addressed in our right ear and are more likely to perform a task when we receive the request in our right ear rather than our left. Scientists have shown that a natural side bias, depending on hemispheric asymmetry in the brain, manifests itself in everyday human behavior. Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:07:07 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623090705.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090622194227.htm New technology to hear vibrations through the skull bone has been developed. Besides investigating the function of a new implantable bone conduction hearing aid, researchers have studied the sensitivity for bone conducted sound and also examined the possibilities for a two-way communication system that is utilizing bone conduction in noisy environments. Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090622194227.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090602161934.htm A flurry of recent research has documented that talking on a cell phone poses a dangerous distraction for drivers and others whose attention should be focused elsewhere. Now, a new study in the Journal of Environmental Psychology finds that just the ring of a cell phone may be equally distracting, especially when it comes in a classroom setting or includes a familiar song as a ringtone. Tue, 02 Jun 2009 16:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090602161934.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090423132955.htm Scientists thought they had a good model to explain how the inner ear translates vibrations in the air into sounds heard by the brain. Now, based on new research, it looks like parts of the model are wrong. Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:29:29 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090423132955.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090218135054.htm A new study involving iPods and teenagers indicates teenagers who receive pressure from their peers or others to turn down the volume of their iPods instead turn them up higher. Wed, 18 Feb 2009 13:50:50 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090218135054.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090212094110.htm When our ears are exposed to very loud sounds, such as the blast of a firecracker, too much of a neurotransmitter is released, damaging these auditory nerve cells and causing hearing loss. Researchers have found that auditory nerve cells temporarily reduce the expression of a key neurotransmitter receptor on their surfaces when exposed to loud noise. Thu, 12 Feb 2009 09:41:41 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090212094110.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090204165913.htm Ringing, whining, whistling, hissing or whooshing. Any of those sounds in one or both ears when there is no external noise present could be a sign of tinnitus. Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:59:59 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090204165913.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081120175851.htm A remarkable number of patients with tinnitus demonstrate withdrawal behavior and have a negative view of life. Feelings of anxiety and depression result in patients experiencing the complaint as a major burden on their quality of life. In addition to psychological treatment, neurostimulation now also appears to be a very promising therapy. Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081120175851.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081118122105.htm Alex Martin placed rats in a partially echo-free, sound-proof chamber and simultaneously played two types of sounds: Gaussian sound (containing all frequencies) of 25 decibels and a pure sound (made up of one frequency). He found that auditory neurons respond to a pure sound even if there is background noise. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:21:21 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081118122105.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080915165822.htm Prosthetic ears appear to improve hearing and speech recognition in noisy environments, according to a new report. Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080915165822.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080903134211.htm Hearing loss due to cochlear damage may be repaired by transplanting human umbilical cord hematopoietic stem cells. This study, using animal models of chemical and auditory cochlear damage, found that when transplanted stem cells migrated to the damaged area, "surprisingly few" transplanted cells were necessary to help repair sensory hair cells and neurons. Researchers say transplanting umbilical cord stem cells provides hope for the repair of human hearing impairments rising from cochlear damage. Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080903134211.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080828220515.htm Scientists have created a biophysical methodology that may help to overcome hearing deficits, and potentially remedy even substantial hearing loss. The authors propose a method of retuning functioning regions of the ear to recognize frequencies originally associated with damaged areas. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 22:05:05 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080828220515.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080814154321.htm Ear infections are a painful rite of passage for many children. New research suggests the damage caused by chronic ear infections could be linked to people's preference for fatty foods, which increases their risk of being overweight as they age. Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080814154321.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080430140349.htm Ever since Ernest Moore's ears began ringing with tinnitus, he has been researching a cure. There's a lot riding on his work. Tinnitus is the top disability of soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, caused by the noise of explosive devices. Moore, a former soldier and an audiologist, is doing cutting edge research with zebrafish that may offer a solution as new funding from the Department of Defense opens up. Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:03:03 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080430140349.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080425164738.htm A patient who is completely deaf in his right ear, he still can hear from that side. A sound processor he wears just behind his right ear converts sound waves into tiny vibrations that move through his skull. The vibrations are detected by his good left ear, so it sounds to him like he can hear from both sides. A new study has found that this system of conducting sound through skull bone is a big boost to people who are deaf in one ear and can't be helped by hearing aids or cochlear implants. Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080425164738.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080425151819.htm Shape matters, even in hearing. Specifically, it is the shape of the cochlea -- the snail-shell-shaped organ in the inner ear that converts sound waves into nerve impulses that the brain deciphers -- which proves to be surprisingly important. A direct link was found between the cochlea's curvature and the low-frequency hearing limit of more than a dozen different mammals. Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080425151819.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080212144504.htm A healthy ear emits soft sounds in response to the sounds that travel in. Detectable with sensitive microphones, these otoacoustic emissions help doctors test newborns' hearing. A deaf ear doesn't produce these echoes. New research shows that, contrary to the current scientific thought, the emissions don't leave the ear the same way they entered. Tue, 12 Feb 2008 14:45:45 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080212144504.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080128113212.htm A new study has revealed that certain over-the-counter earwax softeners containing the active ingredient triethanolamine polypeptide oleate condensate (10%) can cause severe inflammation and damage to the eardrum and inner ear. "Because some of these products are readily available to the public without a consultation with or prescription from a physician, it is important to make sure they are safe to use. Our study shows that in a well-established animal model, one such product, Cerumenex, is in fact, toxic to the cells of the ear," says Dr. Daniel of The Montreal Children's Hospital. Mon, 28 Jan 2008 11:32:32 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080128113212.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080110114501.htm Baby boomers know all too well that "ringing in the ears" often comes with aging and hearing loss. Tinnitus can be the buzz that somatosensory neurons from the head and neck, like too many phone callers, create when they overcompensate for lost auditory signals from the ear, an animal study suggests. This nimble response to hearing loss, in which neurons adapt to changed conditions, is an example of the brain's "plasticity." Results in animals suggest that acupuncture and trigger point therapy may be effective treatments for people plagued by tinnitus. Thu, 10 Jan 2008 11:45:45 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080110114501.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080101093825.htm Phantom noises, that mimic ringing in the ears associated with tinnitus, can be experienced by people with normal hearing in quiet situations, according to new research. Tinnitus, an auditory perception that cannot be attributed to an external source, affects at least 36 million Americans on some level, with at least seven million experiencing it so severely that it interferes with daily activities. Tue, 01 Jan 2008 09:38:38 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080101093825.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071218192056.htm Researchers can show the way to new cochlear implant technology. They researchers found that two neurotrophin proteins in the cochlea -- brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neurotrophin-3 -- figure prominently in the relay of sound messages to the brain. The research is showing precisely how these multidimensional proteins operate in the cochlea. Their findings could lead to a new generation of cochlear implants. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 19:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071218192056.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071115083707.htm Our brain is very good at picking up speech even in a noisy room, an adaptation essential for holding a conversation at a cocktail party, and now we are beginning to understand the neural interactions that underlie this ability. Investigations using neuroimaging have revealed that the brain's left hemisphere helps discern the signal from the noise. Thu, 15 Nov 2007 08:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071115083707.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071031152922.htm Brain scientists have discovered how cells in the developing ear make their own noise, long before the ear is able to detect sound around them. The finding helps to explain how the developing auditory system generates brain activity in the absence of sound. It also may explain why people sometimes experience tinnitus and hear sounds that seem to come from nowhere. Wed, 31 Oct 2007 15:29:29 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071031152922.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071011140215.htm Researchers have discovered a hearing mechanism that fundamentally changes the current understanding of inner ear function. This new mechanism could help explain the ear's remarkable ability to sense and discriminate sounds. Its discovery could eventually lead to improved systems for restoring hearing. The tectorial membrane, a gelatinous structure inside the cochlea of the ear, is much more important to hearing than previously thought. It can selectively pick up and transmit energy to different parts of the cochlea via a kind of wave that is different from that commonly associated with hearing. Thu, 11 Oct 2007 14:02:02 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071011140215.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071005185125.htm For the more than 50 million Americans who experience the phantom sounds of tinnitus -- ringing in the ears that can range from annoying to debilitating -- certain well-trained rats may be their best hope for finding relief. Fri, 05 Oct 2007 18:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071005185125.htm