http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/tinnitus/ Read about the latest medical research on tinnitus. Find out about new treatments. en-us Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:05:01 EST Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:05:01 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/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. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:00:00 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. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:00:00 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. Fri, 23 Oct 2009 05:00:00 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. Wed, 07 Oct 2009 05:00:00 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. Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091004141223.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. Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090622194227.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 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623090705.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. Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:00:00 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. Tue, 28 Apr 2009 02:00:00 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. Sat, 28 Feb 2009 17:00:00 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. Tue, 17 Feb 2009 11:00:00 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. Sun, 15 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090204165913.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. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081118122105.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. Mon, 24 Nov 2008 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081120175851.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. Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:00:00 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. Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:00:00 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. Tue, 02 Sep 2008 02:00:00 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. Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:00:00 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. Fri, 02 May 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080430140349.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. Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080425151819.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. Sat, 26 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080425164738.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. Sat, 16 Feb 2008 14:00:00 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. Wed, 30 Jan 2008 14:00:00 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. Mon, 14 Jan 2008 17:00:00 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. Fri, 04 Jan 2008 11:00:00 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. Wed, 19 Dec 2007 11:00:00 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. Sun, 18 Nov 2007 20:00:00 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. Mon, 05 Nov 2007 02:00:00 EST 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. Fri, 12 Oct 2007 11:00:00 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. Tue, 09 Oct 2007 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071005185125.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070928221928.htm It is estimated that more than 50 million Americans suffer from tinnitus, a condition where the patient experiences ringing or other head noises that are not produced by an external source. This disorder can occur in one or both ears, range in pitch from a low roar to a high squeal, and may be continuous or sporadic. This often debilitating condition has been linked to ear injuries, circulatory system problems, noise-induced hearing loss, wax build-up in the ear canal, medications harmful to the ear, ear or sinus infections, misaligned jaw joints, head and neck trauma, Ménière's disease, and an abnormal growth of bone of the middle ear. Sun, 30 Sep 2007 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070928221928.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070925081429.htm In a breakthrough that will likely accelerate research aimed at cures for hearing loss, tinnitus and balance problems, scientists have perfected a laboratory culturing technique that provides a reliable new source of cells critical to understanding certain inner-ear disorders. Thu, 27 Sep 2007 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070925081429.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070830150056.htm Mild to moderate forms of hearing loss can have a lasting impact on the auditory cortex, according to new findings. The results showed that the projection to auditory cortex had changed following a brief period of hearing loss. Specifically, the researchers found that the synaptic response of the auditory neurons adapted more rapidly and to a greater extent. They also found that auditory cortex neurons became more sensitive to stimulation. Fri, 31 Aug 2007 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070830150056.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070803151105.htm Thomas Lynch, age 2, is now able to hear on both sides of his head with a new device and surgical procedure. Born with no ear canal on his left side, Tom had significant hearing impairment and went to Loyola University Medical Center, where Dr. Sam Marzo surgically implanted a bone-anchored cochlear stimulator that delivers sound to the inner ear by bone conduction. Sat, 04 Aug 2007 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070803151105.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070717014327.htm Your ability to listen to two things at once is an important communication skill that's heavily influenced by your genes. The finding may help researchers better understand a broad and complex group of disorders called auditory processing disorders. Tue, 17 Jul 2007 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070717014327.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070703172421.htm Patients with the genetic disorder von Hippel-Lindau disease may suddenly experience hearing loss because of a tumor-associated hemorrhage in the inner ear, according to a study in the July 4 issue of JAMA. Sat, 07 Jul 2007 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070703172421.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070626091425.htm It is estimated that between 10 and 17% of the population has suffered tinnitus at some time in their lives, according to a number of international studies. Tinnitus is understood as the perception of noise in the ears or inside the head although there is no external source of sound, without any vibratory cochlear activity taking place (which occurs when an external noise is produced). Sound therapy is a treatment option with promising results. Wed, 27 Jun 2007 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070626091425.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070614082041.htm Researchers have discovered a way to transfer genes, which they hope will restore hearing, into diseased tissue of the human inner ear. This important step brings scientists closer to curing genetic or acquired hearing loss. Thu, 14 Jun 2007 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070614082041.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070607171036.htm Researchers have, for the first time, used a "bionic" ear to restore hearing in a patient with von Hippel-Lindau disease. They say this advance offers new hope for individuals with the rare disorder, which can produce non-malignant tumors in ears, as well as in the eyes, brain, and kidneys. Fri, 08 Jun 2007 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070607171036.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070405170200.htm Recent research suggests new ways of treating hearing loss. Scientists have isolated "cochlear stem cells" located in the inner ear and already primed for development into ear-related tissue due to their proximity to the ear and expression of certain genes necessary for the development of hearing. Fri, 06 Apr 2007 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070405170200.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070402101924.htm A vaccine has been shown to help reduce the number of infants and toddlers developing frequent ear infections, according to new research. Wed, 04 Apr 2007 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070402101924.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070314134729.htm On the battlefield, a soldier's hearing can be permanently damaged in an instant by the boom of an explosion, and thousands of soldiers returning from Iraq have some permanent hearing loss. But what if soldiers could take a pill before going on duty that would prevent damage to hearing? Research at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis suggests a medicinal form of hearing protection may someday be a possibility. Thu, 15 Mar 2007 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070314134729.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/02/070213081731.htm Nature has outfitted us with a pair of ears for good reason: having two ears enhances hearing. University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists are now examining whether this is also true for the growing numbers of deaf children who've received not one, but two, cochlear implants to help them hear. Fri, 23 Feb 2007 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/02/070213081731.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/02/070218131439.htm As a leader in stem cell-based research on the inner ear at the Stanford University School of Medicine, he's got a step-by-step plan for making this dream a reality. Tue, 20 Feb 2007 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/02/070218131439.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/02/070214221229.htm For those who pumped up the volume one too many times, UC Irvine researchers may have found a treatment for the hearing damage loud music can cause. Thu, 15 Feb 2007 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/02/070214221229.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/01/070128140554.htm Psychotherapy may help tinnitus suffers cope with the life disturbances that sometimes accompany their condition, according to a new review of studies. Tinnitus is a sensation of ringing or other noise when there is no external cause for the sound. A counseling method called cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT seems to amplify patients' quality of life, even when the volume of the noise remains the same. Mon, 29 Jan 2007 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/01/070128140554.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/01/070119103829.htm Early insertion of ear tubes in otherwise healthy infants and young children with persistent fluid in the middle ear does not improve developmental outcomes up to nine to 11 years of age, according to results of an important study at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC led by otitis media researcher Jack Paradise, MD. Mon, 22 Jan 2007 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/01/070119103829.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/12/061219095607.htm Clinical characteristics of tinnitus such as duration, consistency and other factors influence the way individuals perceive loudness and annoyance associated with the condition, according to a report in the December issue of Archives of Otolaryngology -- Head & Neck Surgery, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. Wed, 20 Dec 2006 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/12/061219095607.htm