Will there ever be an end to ringing in the ears?
Antwerp scientists draw conclusions from tinnitus research. A continuous beeping sound, a ringing bell, or a whining jackhammer: tinnitus can be incredibly annoying. Researchers are constantly searching for new therapies, such as stimulating the brain with electrical current.
A study by the University of Antwerp and the University Hospital in Antwerp draws new conclusions.
It is estimated that between 1 and 2 million Dutch people suffer from some form of (temporary) tinnitus, better known as ringing in the ears. The impact of this tinnitus can vary greatly. For some, it can lead to sleep problems, difficulty concentrating, or even anxiety and depression. Although various therapies exist that can reduce its impact, tinnitus is currently incurable.
Electrical current as a new treatment
For years, researchers have been searching for innovative treatments. They are increasingly looking to the brain for this purpose, because tinnitus is associated with disrupted brain activity. Small electrodes, for example, can deliver electrical current to the brain to alter brain activity. This technique is painless and is already being used successfully for other conditions such as chronic pain. Researchers affiliated with the University of Antwerp and the UZA conducted a large-scale study into the effects of this technique on tinnitus.
The treatment was compared to a placebo group. "Overall, we found no indications that brain stimulation had a better effect than the placebo variant," says researcher Emilie Cardon. "We did, however, observe enormous differences between individuals. Some experienced a significant improvement in tinnitus symptoms after the treatment, while others experienced no effect at all."
Focusing on personalized medicine
In other words, stimulating the brain with electrical current is not a universal solution for every person with tinnitus. According to the researchers, these results, which were published in the scientific journal Brain, make it clear that an individual approach is desperately needed.
"It is unrealistic to think that there will be one standard treatment that can cure everyone of tinnitus. The differences between individuals are too great for that. We must now focus much more on personalized medicine and investigate more precisely who benefits from which treatment. In this way, we want to support everyone with tinnitus symptoms as well as possible in the future," says Cardon. Epidemic
Top composer Stephen Emmer, who revealed in an interview in the AD that he has been suffering from severe tinnitus for years, also believes that more priority should be given to finding a medical solution for people who suffer hearing damage. Emmer calls tinnitus ‘one of the next epidemics that will strike worldwide’.
In a petition launched by Emmer on behalf of the new organization Artists against Tinnitus, the government, the medical sector, and the pharmaceutical industry are urgently requested to arrive at a concrete medical solution within the foreseeable future. It also calls for promoting awareness and education regarding hearing issues among artists, listeners, and fans, among other things.
In an accompanying message, the composer further expressed criticism regarding recommendations from the Health Council. A report on hearing damage and its consequences for the Dutch population was published on Wednesday. Emmer considers, among other things, the 3-decibel volume reduction advocated by the report to be ‘not a panacea’. He also criticized the choice for a self-regulating mechanism within the sector.
Mandatory earplugs
Patient organization Hoormij VVSS is pleased with the growing attention to tinnitus, but at the same time wants to ensure that ‘this does not turn out to be a short-lived hype.’ “Where about 1.5 million people currently experience hearing damage, that number will grow to 25 percent of the population if we do nothing,” warns director Wil Verschoor. “We advocate for a legal obligation regarding the prevention of hearing damage and tinnitus during festivals and events, for a reduction of the current standard of 103 decibels, and for mandatory hearing protection.”
Concerts
According to Belgian professor Bart Vinck, 70 percent of young people between 18 and 30 years old suffer from tinnitus after a concert. For 5 percent, the symptoms persist for longer than three to six months, and 15 percent are left with irreparable damage. Other studies state that one in five adults today has some form of hearing damage.
“Those are serious figures,” says Belgian audiologist Marleen De Sloovere in conversation with Het Laatste Nieuws. We continue working on raising awareness about the dangers of hearing damage. We try to inform young people about potential damage they may have already sustained. By testing their hearing, they notice if it has already deteriorated. We then explain the cause and how they can prevent further damage.
Petition
Sign the Artists Against Tinnitus petition here
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