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A recent study conducted at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, South Korea, explored the electrophysiological characteristics of chronic tinnitus patients through electrocochleography (ECochG) findings. The research found that an elevated SP/AP ratio in ECochG results was associated with sleep disturbances, depression, attention problems, aural fullness, hyperacusis, and low-frequency hearing loss. These findings suggest a complex relationship between cochlear pathology and tinnitus perception, highlighting the potential utility of the SP/AP ratio as a biomarker for tailoring treatment strategies. The study emphasizes the importance of nuanced understanding of ECochG results in the clinical evaluation of tinnitus for personalized management approaches. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Maastricht University in the Netherlands focused on the factors influencing tinnitus burden in patients seeking medical help. The research found that various demographic, patient-specific, and tinnitus characteristics were associated with tinnitus burden, with factors such as anxiety, sleep quality, and hearing impairment playing a significant role. The study concluded that education level, life events, psychological factors, and sleep quality are related to tinnitus burden and can predict changes in tinnitus burden over time. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Universidade Federal do Parana (UFPR) in Curitiba, Brazil, discusses evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of Single-Sided Deafness (SSD) in children and adults. The research highlights the complexity of decision-making for patients with SSD and suggests that cochlear implants can significantly improve speech perception, spatial localization of sound, tinnitus control, and overall quality of life. However, cochlear implantation is not recommended in cases of cochlear nerve deficiency, a common cause of congenital SSD. The study emphasizes the importance of evidence-based guidelines in addressing hearing disorders and conditions. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the Medical University of Vienna examined the impact of extreme meteorological conditions on tinnitus-related emergency room visits. The research found that factors such as high relative humidity, low and high atmospheric pressure, and temperature fluctuations were associated with increased risk of tinnitus-related emergency visits. Further investigation into the causative links and underlying mechanisms is recommended. The study highlights the potential influence of weather on tinnitus-related health outcomes, emphasizing the need for continued research in this area. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the University of North Carolina examined the long-term subjective benefits of cochlear implantation for adults with asymmetric or unilateral hearing loss. The research found that participants reported a significant improvement in perceived tinnitus severity and quality of life with cochlear implant use, which was generally maintained over time. Questionnaires such as the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, Speech, Spatial, & Qualities of Hearing Scale, and Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit were used to assess the benefits of cochlear implantation in this population. The study was supported by MED-EL Corporation and published in The Laryngoscope. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at University College Cork examined the impact of hearing aids primarily fitted for presbyacusis on the quality of life of patients with tinnitus. The pilot study included twenty adults with presbyacusis and tinnitus, showing that hearing aids can improve the quality of life for individuals with tinnitus. The research also found that age and gender can influence the outcomes of hearing aid usage for both presbyacusis and tinnitus, with patients over 75 benefiting more than those under 75. The study concluded that hearing aids fitted for presbyacusis can positively influence the perception of tinnitus and quality of life. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by An-Najah National University in Palestine aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of tinnitus among young university students. The study found that tinnitus is common among Palestinian university students, with a prevalence rate of 31%. Several risk factors were identified, including having a relative with tinnitus, gastroesophageal reflux, depression and anxiety, hearing difficulties, vertigo, and various medical conditions and surgeries. The researchers emphasize the importance of identifying modifiable risk factors to better understand and reduce the prevalence of tinnitus. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in the United Kingdom aimed to differentiate between hyperacusis and misophonia in children with auditory processing disorder (APD). The study found that misophonia, which is an oversensitivity to eating/chewing sounds, co-existed with hyperacusis, which is an oversensitivity to other sounds, in the majority of cases. Emotional responses and prevalence of certain conditions differed between the two groups. The researchers concluded that future studies should specify whether hyperacusis or misophonia co-existed when referring to these conditions. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the University of Pennsylvania discusses the topic of pulsatile tinnitus, which refers to the perception of a heartbeat-like sound in the absence of external stimulus. The report highlights that while pulsatile tinnitus is less common than nonpulsatile tinnitus, it can indicate an underlying disease that may pose a risk to the patient if left undiagnosed. The report emphasizes the importance of a thorough examination and appropriate imaging in identifying the cause of pulsatile tinnitus and guiding management strategies. The researchers propose a structured framework to aid radiologists and clinicians in diagnosing and managing patients with pulsatile tinnitus. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University in Saudi Arabia examined the prevalence of tinnitus among adults in the country, its impact on their quality of life, and their inclination to seek medical support. The study found that tinnitus affects 37.6% of adults in Saudi Arabia, with a higher occurrence in females and an association with advancing age. Despite the negative impact on quality of life, a significant proportion of individuals with tinnitus do not seek medical support. The study highlights the need for increased awareness and support for individuals with tinnitus. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the All India Institute of Ayurveda explored the use of Ayurvedic interventions in managing tinnitus with conductive hearing loss. The study involved a 31-year-old female patient who experienced annoying sounds in both ears, hearing impairment in the right ear, headache, and disturbed sleep for three years. The patient was treated with medicated oil instillation in the ear and oral medication for 21 days, resulting in relief from tinnitus and an improvement in hearing loss. The study suggests that Ayurvedic interventions can be effective in managing tinnitus. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Ain shams University in Cairo, Egypt, examined the impact of personal listening devices (PLDs) on hearing among university students. The study involved 310 participants who were surveyed about their PLD habits, including daily use, volume level, and duration of use. The results showed that high-volume PLD use was associated with auditory problems such as tinnitus and ear pain. The study recommends regular hearing screenings for students who use PLDs frequently. [Extracted from the article]

A new report discusses research conducted at Tanta University in Egypt on the effectiveness of bisphosphonate in alleviating tinnitus associated with otosclerosis. The study included 100 patients with otosclerosis and bothersome tinnitus, who were divided into two groups. Group B, which received oral bisphosphonate along with routine vitamin D and calcium supplements, showed significant improvement in tinnitus after 6 months compared to Group A, which received only complementary supplements. The research concluded that bisphosphonate treatment was effective in improving tinnitus associated with otosclerosis. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Mustansiriyah University in Baghdad, Iraq, explored the association between iron deficiency and hearing problems in adult patients, specifically focusing on tinnitus and sensorineural hearing loss. The study found that there is a significant association between iron deficiency anemia and sensorineural hearing loss in patients with tinnitus. The research concluded that tinnitus and sensorineural hearing loss are significantly associated with iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia. This study provides valuable insights into the potential effects of iron deficiency on the inner ear system. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from researchers at Boston University discusses the controversial etiopathogenesis of venous sinus diverticulum, a condition associated with pulsatile tinnitus. The report presents a case study of a middle-aged woman who experienced pulsatile tinnitus, vertigo, and decreased hearing. Initial imaging did not reveal any abnormalities, but subsequent imaging after 13 years showed the development of an ipsilateral venous sinus diverticulum. The patient was successfully treated with endovascular stenting and coiling, resulting in complete resolution of symptoms. The researchers conclude that venous sinus diverticulum in patients with pulsatile tinnitus is an acquired lesion, and further research is needed to better understand its etiology and guide management strategies. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) has revealed new findings on pulsatile tinnitus (PT), a condition characterized by rhythmic, heartbeat-synchronous sounds that can significantly impact patients' quality of life. The study aimed to investigate potential differences in cortical and subcortical brain volume between adults with PT and age-matched controls. The results showed that individuals with PT may have structural differences in brain regions related to auditory processing and depression, highlighting the importance of evaluating and treating this condition to prevent these neuroanatomical differences from developing. The study was funded by the U.S. Department of Defense. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by Peking University Third Hospital in Beijing, China, aimed to translate and validate a questionnaire called the "Meaning of Life" (MOL) into Mandarin Chinese to measure the quality of life in patients with hearing loss or tinnitus. The study included 206 Mandarin-speaking subjects with hearing loss or tinnitus and found that the Mandarin Chinese version of the MOL questionnaire showed good reliability. The questionnaire can be used to quantify the quality of life of patients with hearing loss or tinnitus. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by Peking University Third Hospital in Beijing, China, aimed to translate and validate a questionnaire called the "Meaning of Life" (MOL) into Mandarin Chinese to measure the quality of life in patients with hearing loss or tinnitus. The study included 206 Mandarin-speaking subjects with hearing loss or tinnitus and found that the Mandarin Chinese version of the MOL questionnaire showed good reliability. The questionnaire can be used to quantify the quality of life of patients with hearing loss or tinnitus. This research has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Sakarya University explored the effectiveness of the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) method in treating chronic subjective tinnitus. The study involved 36 participants who were assigned to different groups receiving either EMDR, masking, or no treatment. The results showed that the EMDR method significantly reduced tinnitus severity levels in the participants. The researchers suggest that further studies with a larger sample size could confirm these findings. This research provides new insights into potential treatment options for individuals with chronic subjective tinnitus. [Extracted from the article]

A systematic review and meta-analysis conducted by researchers at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China, examined the long-term effects of cochlear implantation (CI) on tinnitus in patients with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). The study analyzed 28 studies involving 853 patients and found that CI significantly improved tinnitus symptoms, as measured by the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Tinnitus Questionnaire (TQ). However, the effect of CI on tinnitus may diminish over time. The researchers concluded that further research is needed to confirm these findings. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Anglia Ruskin University investigated the impact of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) on the third-party disability experienced by significant others (SOs) of individuals with tinnitus. The study involved 194 pairs of individuals with tinnitus and their SOs. The results showed that the ICBT intervention had an indirect effect on reducing the third-party disability experienced by SOs. However, the benefits were less noticeable for SOs with higher baseline difficulties and for partners (e.g., spouses) of individuals with tinnitus. The study suggests that involving SOs in the rehabilitation process may provide additional benefits and should be encouraged. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Medical School have conducted a study on tinnitus, a phantom auditory sensation often accompanied by hearing loss and cognitive impairments. The study focused on the dysfunction of KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 channels in the cochlear nucleus, which can cause tinnitus. The researchers used a noise-induced tinnitus model and various techniques to investigate the physiological and morphological changes associated with tinnitus. They found that mid-infrared photons effectively alleviated tinnitus-related behaviors by suppressing abnormal neural excitability in the auditory cortex. This study provides a potential innovative therapeutic approach for tinnitus treatment. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Army Medical University in Chongqing, China, explored the electrophysiological characteristics and clinical significance of unilateral tinnitus with normal hearing threshold. The study included 34 patients with normal hearing but unilateral tinnitus. The researchers found that the affected side group had a significantly shorter I-wave latency and decreased amplitude compared to the healthy side group. Additionally, the study found that in the affected group, there was a statistical difference in the amplitude between wave III and wave V. The researchers concluded that auditory brainstem response (ABR) examination can be helpful in determining hidden functional changes in the auditory pathway for patients with subjective tinnitus and normal hearing threshold. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application has been filed for an electronic device designed to manage tinnitus, a condition characterized by the perception of continuous noise in the absence of external sound. The device aims to provide a personalized sound source for individuals based on a tinnitus test and questionnaire evaluation. It can also interwork with a wireless earphone to perform the tinnitus test and provide a suitable management method. The device includes features such as identifying the ear with tinnitus symptoms, determining the tinnitus frequency, generating a sound source without the tinnitus frequency, and providing feedback information. The patent application does not mention any specific company or institution associated with the device. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands explored the use of external ear canal sound measurements in diagnosing pulsatile tinnitus (PT). The study found that in 48% of patients with an identifiable cause of PT, the condition could be detected through sound measurements. Arterial pathologies, particularly dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs), were more likely to be associated with objective PT. The researchers concluded that sound measurements, in combination with clinical evaluation and imaging studies, can be a valuable tool in diagnosing PT. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for a hearing prosthesis developed by Cochlear Limited. The prosthesis is designed to address conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, as well as alleviate symptoms of tinnitus. It includes an implanted electrode that stimulates the vagus nerve to suppress tinnitus and improve the learning process associated with fitting a cochlear implant. The device can be used in conjunction with addressing the recipient's hearing loss and may also provide relief from depression. The patent describes the medical device and its components, as well as methods for using it. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application titled "Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Partial Agonists As Therapeutics For Chronic Tinnitus" has been published online. The inventors propose a pharmaceutical composition for treating tinnitus, a condition characterized by a phantom sound in the ears. The composition includes one or more active compounds, such as sazetidine or varenicline, and can be formulated in various forms, including tablets, capsules, or nasal sprays. The inventors suggest that treating the attentional aspects of tinnitus may be as important as treating the sensation itself. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application titled "System And Method For Auditory Mirror Therapy For Hearing Disorders" has been published online. The inventor, Nils Clas Linnman, has developed a method for treating tinnitus, which is the perception of sound in the absence of any external sound. The method involves subjecting individuals with tinnitus to altered environmental sounds, such as transposing sounds from one ear to the other. This non-invasive therapy aims to reduce the severity of tinnitus symptoms and provide an alternative to current treatments. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences in Saudi Arabia aimed to estimate the prevalence of tinnitus among adults in the country and explore its impact on their quality of life. The study found that out of 4,860 adults surveyed, 6.54% had tinnitus, with a slightly higher prevalence in males compared to females. Tinnitus was described as a daily, gradual, continuous, whistling, and ringing sensation in both ears. The severity of tinnitus signals was found to have a significant impact on the quality of life, particularly in relation to sleep, social activities, quiet settings, and concentration. The study also revealed that 61% of participants did not use any tinnitus treatment, while others relied on hearing aids, medications, and counseling. The researchers recommended increasing awareness, establishing standard practices, developing guidelines, and expanding access to suitable interventions to better support individuals with tinnitus in Saudi Arabia. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Dankook University Hospital in South Korea investigated the effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in treating chronic high-frequency tinnitus. The study involved preliminary animal experiments with mice and a randomized controlled trial with human participants. While the animal experiments showed promising results, the clinical trial did not demonstrate a significant difference in tinnitus scores. However, questionnaires revealed significant improvements in tinnitus symptoms and psychological outcomes following treatment with the PBMT device. Further research is needed to optimize treatment parameters and fully understand the therapeutic potential of PBMT in managing tinnitus. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill found that older adults with unilateral or asymmetric hearing loss experienced significant improvements in speech recognition, spatial hearing, and subjective perceptions with the use of a cochlear implant (CI). The study included 18 participants aged 65 and older who underwent CI surgery. The participants showed improvements in speech recognition, masked sentence recognition, sound localization, and reported improvements in hearing abilities and tinnitus severity. The findings suggest that CI use can benefit older adults with unilateral or asymmetric hearing loss. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University Grenoble Alpes explores the influence of naps on tinnitus, a condition characterized by ringing in the ears. The study analyzed data from two tinnitus databases and found that 31.1% of participants reported an influence on their tinnitus after taking a nap. The majority of participants experienced worsening of their symptoms after a nap, rather than improvement. The study suggests that further research is needed to better understand the relationship between sleep and tinnitus. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Shanghai Changzheng Hospital of the Navy Medical University aimed to identify factors that influence the severity of tinnitus. The study included 331 patients experiencing tinnitus as their primary concern, and data on their general health status and disease characteristics were collected. The study found that tinnitus severity is positively associated with loudness, anxiety levels, and sleep quality. The researchers suggest that addressing these accompanying factors and related symptoms is essential for effectively managing tinnitus in patients. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom examined the effects of noise exposure on hearing in musicians. The research found that musicians are at risk of hearing loss and tinnitus due to regular exposure to high levels of noise. The study used a longitudinal design to investigate the effects of cumulative noise exposure on various measures of hearing damage over a 2-year period. The findings suggest that hearing conservation programs for musicians should closely monitor certain measures of hearing function to detect early signs of noise-induced hearing loss, even when audiometric thresholds are normal. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the University of Rome Tor Vergata investigated a new treatment for chronic tinnitus, a condition that significantly affects quality of life. The treatment combines personalized sound therapy with low- and high-frequency electromagnetic wave stimulation. The study involved 55 patients who experienced notable improvements in Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) scores, with 39% reporting a significant enhancement of 13 points or more. Secondary outcomes, such as Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and Hyperacusis Questionnaire (HQ) scores, also showed improvement, indicating enhanced life quality and reduced tinnitus distress. The study concluded that the combined therapy shows promising potential in managing chronic tinnitus and further research is needed to understand the distinct contributions of each treatment modality. [Extracted from the article]

A scoping review conducted by researchers at Georgetown University School of Medicine explored the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) in reducing symptoms of Meniere's disease (MD), including vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss. The review included four published studies involving 147 patients with MD. The findings suggest that SSRIs and TCAs may reduce the frequency of tinnitus and vertigo, but there is a need for larger-scale studies to evaluate their effectiveness. The researchers emphasize the importance of objective data in future studies. [Extracted from the article]

A recent preprint abstract discusses the role of cortical hyperexcitability in neurological disorders such as migraine, epilepsy, tinnitus, and Alzheimer's disease. The study examined the temporal characteristics of Evoked Related Potentials (ERPs) in a healthy population using the Pattern Glare Test, focusing on susceptibility to migraine. The findings suggest that individuals with a higher state measure exhibited a higher degree of habituation and sensitization in the visual cortex, which was dependent on their susceptibility to migraine. The researchers recommend further investigation using the same experimental paradigm and analysis on a clinically diagnosed population. [Extracted from the article]

A randomized controlled trial is being conducted in Canada to determine if guided Internet-delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (ICBT) can effectively treat tinnitus-related distress and its associated comorbidities, such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, and quality of life. The trial aims to assess whether this therapy reduces tinnitus-related distress and comorbidities among adult tinnitus patients aged 18-79 years in Canada. The researchers will compare a personalized ICBT program to a standard ICBT program to investigate if participants in the personalized program show no worse improvements in patient-reported outcomes than the standard program. Participants will receive either a personalized or standard ICBT program delivered over 8 weeks, with guided support from a trained guide. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up. This study aims to test the effectiveness of a personalized, internet-delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) program for individuals with tinnitus in Canada. Tinnitus is a condition where people hear sounds like ringing or buzzing without an external source. The study will compare the personalized CBT program to a standard CBT program to evaluate their effectiveness in reducing tinnitus distress and improving related conditions such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, and quality of life. Participants will receive guided support over eight weeks, and the study hopes to demonstrate that the personalized program is as effective as the standard program, with added benefits in convenience and cost. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam, Netherlands, focused on the effectiveness of intratympanic corticosteroids in the treatment of Meniere's disease (MD). The study aimed to recruit 148 patients with unilateral MD from six hospitals in the Netherlands and randomly assign them to either the methylprednisolone or placebo group. The primary outcome of the study was the frequency of vertigo attacks, with secondary outcomes including hearing loss, tinnitus, health-related quality of life, and cost-effectiveness. The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the Medical Research Ethics Committee and local institutional review boards. The results of the study will be published in scientific journals and presented at conferences. [Extracted from the article]

Citrus Hearing Clinic in Clermont, Florida participated in the first-ever Widex Community Giveback Day, a program that allows hearing care professionals to gift a free pair of Widex hearing aids to a member of their local community who cannot afford them. The chosen recipient, Sierra Janae, had been wearing older Widex hearing aids that were passed down to her and was in need of an upgrade. Dr. Teresa Parsons, an audiologist at Citrus Hearing Clinic, provided Janae with a custom fitting experience and education on how to use the new hearing aids. Janae noticed an immediate improvement and expressed gratitude for the opportunity. The Widex Community Giveback Day is part of the Widex Partners in Excellence for You program, which supports hearing care professionals in providing outstanding care to their communities. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the University of Iowa conducted a small preliminary trial to explore the potential of bimodal electro-aural stimulation to alleviate tonal, somatic tinnitus. The study involved 11 participants who received auditory stimulation in the form of customized bursts of "notched noise" and simultaneous pulsed electrical stimulation via hydrogel electrodes placed in opposite ears. After a 6-week intervention period, the participants showed clinically meaningful improvements in Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) and Tinnitus Primary Function Questionnaire (TPFQ) scores. The researchers believe that bimodal stimulation has therapeutic benefits for tinnitus sufferers, but caution that the results are preliminary due to the small sample size and lack of crossover data. The study was supported by Bose Corporation and has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the Alaska Hearing and Tinnitus Center examined the effectiveness of bimodal neuromodulation, which combines sound therapy with electrical tongue stimulation using the Lenire device, for the treatment of tinnitus. The study analyzed the outcomes of 220 tinnitus patients over a period of approximately 12 weeks. The results showed a high responder rate of 91.5% with a mean improvement of 27.8 points in the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), indicating a clinically significant improvement. No serious adverse events related to the device were reported. However, it is important to note that this study has not yet undergone peer review. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a study from the University of Colorado School of Medicine examining the impact of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on individuals with tinnitus. Topics discussed include the effectiveness of CBT in improving positive experiences for tinnitus patients, the use of mixed-methods in the research, and the significance of open-ended questions in evaluating treatment outcomes.

A report from University College London (UCL) discusses the role of stressful life events in relation to tinnitus. While there is limited research on this topic, there is evidence of the psychological impact of tinnitus and the influence of psychological processes on the experience of tinnitus. The report suggests that stressful life events may act as triggers for tinnitus, and that the onset of tinnitus and ongoing experience of it can be considered acute and chronic stressful life events, respectively. The report also explores the potential mechanisms by which stress influences predictive processing and signal detection judgments. This research has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for a sound enrichment system designed to provide relief for tinnitus. Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ear without any external source, and it can be very disturbing and decrease quality of life. Traditional tinnitus maskers emit monotonous sounds, but this new system uses a signal modulator to randomly or pseudo-randomly modulate the noise signal, breaking the monotony and making it more comfortable for users to listen to. The system also includes an environment classifier to generate an environmental classification of the sound signal and adjust the modulated noise signal accordingly. [Extracted from the article]