Mobile app makes breakthrough in tinnitus treatment

Researchers at the University of Auckland are encouraged by the “encouraging results” of clinical trials of cell phone-based therapies. (CREDIT: Creative Commons)

After 20 years of searching for a cure for tinnitus, researchers at the University of Auckland are encouraged by “encouraging results” from clinical trials of cell phone-based therapies. During the study, 61 patients were randomized to one of two treatments: a prototype of a new “digital polytherapy” or a popular white noise self-help app.

On average, in the group with polytherapy (31 people), clinically significant improvements were observed after 12 weeks, while in the other group (30 people) this did not happen. The results have just been published in Frontiers in Neurology. “This is more important than some of our previous work and is likely to have a direct impact on the future of tinnitus treatment,” says Associate Professor of Audiology Grant Searchfield.

The key to the new treatment is an initial evaluation by an audiologist who develops a personalized treatment plan, combining a range of digital tools, based on the individual’s tinnitus experience.

“Earlier trials have shown that white noise, targeted counseling, targeted games, and other technology-based therapies are sometimes effective for some people,” says Dr. Searchfield. “It’s faster and more efficient: it takes 12 weeks rather than 12 months for more people to get some control.”

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There is no pill that can cure tinnitus. “What this therapy does is essentially reprogramming the brain so that tinnitus turns into background noise that has no meaning or relevance to the listener,” says Dr. Searchfield.

Audiologist Research Fellow Dr. Phil Sanders says the results are impressive and he personally finds the trial helpful.

“Sixty-five percent of participants reported improvement. For some people, it has been life-changing – tinnitus has taken over their lives and attention.”

According to Dr. Sanders, some people haven’t seen an improvement and their feedback will drive further personalization.

Example screenshots for (A) USL intervention (i) menus, (ii) passive therapy sounds, (iii) AOIL task, (iv) tracking task. (B) WN intervention. (i) menu, (ii) passive therapy sounds, (iii) audio control, (iv) audio mixing. (TEACHER: University of Auckland)

Tinnitus is a phantom noise and its causes are complex. This has so far challenged successful treatments.

While most people experience tinnitus or ringing in the ears at least occasionally, about five percent experience it to an excruciating degree. Consequences may include sleep problems, difficulty performing daily tasks, and depression.

Associate Professor Grant Searchfield says the treatment is made possible by recent technological developments. (TEACHER: University of Auckland)

Dr. Searchfield says the sight of his patients’ suffering and the lack of effective treatment inspired him to research. “I wanted to make a difference.”

The next step will be to finalize the prototype and move on to larger local and international trials for FDA approval.

The researchers hope to have the app clinically available in about six months.

Symptoms of tinnitus

Tinnitus is most often described as ringing in the ears, although there are no extraneous sounds. However, tinnitus can also cause other types of phantom tinnitus, including:

• Buzz

• Roaring

• Click

• hiss

• humming

Most people with tinnitus have subjective tinnitus, or tinnitus that only you hear. Tinnitus can range in pitch from a low roar to a high-pitched screech, and you may hear it in one or both ears.

In some cases, the sound may be so loud that it interferes with your ability to concentrate or hear external sound. Ringing in the ears may be present all the time, or it may come and go.

In rare cases, tinnitus may present as a rhythmic pulsating or wheezing sound, often in conjunction with a heartbeat. This is called pulsating tinnitus. If you have pulsatile tinnitus, your doctor may hear your tinnitus during an examination (objective tinnitus).

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Note: Materials provided above by the University of Auckland. Content can be edited for style and length.

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