Breakthrough in search for tinnitus cure

Key to the new treatment is an initial assessment by an audiologist who develops the personalised treatment plan, combining a range of digital tools, based on the individual's experience of tinnitus.

"Earlier trials have found white noise, goal-based counselling, 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."

The next step will be to refine the prototype and proceed to larger local and international trials with a view to FDA approval. The researchers hope the app will be clinically available in around six months.

Ref:

Grant Searchfield et al,A randomized single-blind controlled trial of a prototype digital polytherapeutic for tinnitus,Frontiers in Neurology, DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.958730