New Scientist Unveils Possible Tinnitus Cure

German researchers have discovered a new technique that could help reduce tinnitus (ringing in the ears) by up to 35%, the New Scientist reported this week. The therapy involves training sufferers to discriminate between computer matched pairs of tones and is based on methods used to reduce phantom pains associated with amputated limbs.

The condition affects millions of people and describes the ringing in the ears that can accompany a night of clubbing or attending a concert. It becomes a real problem when the ringing becomes permanent and can spark serious psychological harm.

"If tinnitus is distressing, it is invariably identified as a threat, either to life or life quality," tinnitus expert Jonathan Hazell told Muzik when the magazine first examined the issue.

"The sudden onset of noise in the head can provoke a real anxiety about the chances of brain tumours, strokes, impending madness and possible suicide."

http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp-id=ns99992065

http://www.ata.org (American Tinnitus Assocation Tags