Best Guess on When Tinnitus Will Be Cured?

[Clive]

Yes Paul, I agree with you.
What I'm saying is that those who manage to reach a stage where they report that T does no longer affect them have habituated. In the absence of a medial treatment to " turn it off" promoting habituation is perhaps the best way forward. Achieving it is the hard part!

 

[Sen]

we're probably 200-300 years away from a total cure (right around when they figure out how to flawlessly map the brain,) but we'll probably see some effective treatments within the next 20 years.

 

[Grant1]

Grant, I have been tested only till 8k its hard to find a place that does up to 16k I also did otoacoustic emission test which shows slightly reduced response in the frequency where the audio gram has a small hearing loss notch 20-25 dbHL. The ENT doctor never called me back to discuss the results .

So are you getting any specific treatment?

Eric, I am doing sound therapy which seems to have helped. My otoneurologist provided me a white noise cd that is very helpful to my type of tinnitus. I am also on waiting list for a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) study.

E-mail me at ogb954@gmail.com. I'll give you more details.

 

[Paul D]

Just coming off a couple days where the T was low and didn't bother me all that much; I guess you could say I had "habituated," even though it was ever-present, just at lower levels. I'm attributing this brief respite primarily to a change in stress factors which have had me bouncing off the walls a bit lately. Now this morning, within five or ten seconds after awakening, I knew immediately it was going to be a rough day. That dominating, incessant noise was back in full force within 30 minutes. So does this mean I "unhabituated?" This is why I've given up on the idea. Rather than continue what's become a futile effort seeking "the answer," I feel my time and energy is better spent in acceptance, learning to cope with the situation as it changes from day to day. Call it CBT if you will. Sound maskers, diet change, etc. just don't seem to offer any viable, consistant solution for something as dynamic as tinnitus. The search for "the answer" feels increasingly like chasing a ghost.

 

[Karen]

Paul,
I agree with you! My severe tinnitus started in 2010, too, so it's been almost 3 years for me, as it has for you. I realize that some people habituate in 2 years or less, but I haven't been one of them. The best way to deal with it is to accept it, and find ways to cope on a daily basis. I'm tired of searching for that elusive cure, or yet another doctor who may be able to help. Acceptance, I believe, is the first step toward some form of peace.

 

[Louise]

Just coming off a couple days where the T was low and didn't bother me all that much; I guess you could say I had "habituated," even though it was ever-present, just at lower levels. I'm attributing this brief respite primarily to a change in stress factors which have had me bouncing off the walls a bit lately. Now this morning, within five or ten seconds after awakening, I knew immediately it was going to be a rough day. That dominating, incessant noise was back in full force within 30 minutes. So does this mean I "unhabituated?" This is why I've given up on the idea. Rather than continue what's become a futile effort seeking "the answer," I feel my time and energy is better spent in acceptance, learning to cope with the situation as it changes from day to day. Call it CBT if you will. Sound maskers, diet change, etc. just don't seem to offer any viable, consistant solution for something as dynamic as tinnitus. The search for "the answer" feels increasingly like chasing a ghost.

That is habituation though isnt it Paul, one step forward two steps back. As I understand it there are good days and bad days on the road to full habituation.

 

[Louise]

Paul,
I agree with you! My severe tinnitus started in 2010, too, so it's been almost 3 years for me, as it has for you. I realize that some people habituate in 2 years or less, but I haven't been one of them. The best way to deal with it is to accept it, and find ways to cope on a daily basis. I'm tired of searching for that elusive cure, or yet another doctor who may be able to help. Acceptance, I believe, is the first step toward some form of peace.

I was thinking the same thing today Karen, that acceptance has to come first and I havent

 

[Louise]

we're probably 200-300 years away from a total cure (right around when they figure out how to flawlessly map the brain,) but we'll probably see some effective treatments within the next 20 years.

Come on Echoes, we'll be teleporting in 200 years time never mind worrying about T.

There are drugs available NOW that reduce the noise. Several of them. So I cannot see why it should take so long to refine these to hit only the auditory cortex.

 

[Karen]

Louise,
I know it's hard to believe now, but with time, you'll become more accepting of the tinnitus. As I mentioned, I haven't habituated yet, after almost 3 years, but I am learning to cope with it better. I think you will, too --- hard to believe as it may be!!

 

[sworthi245]

I signed up on tinnitustalk to be a part of the conversation with all of you. I have found so much good and honest effort to crunch the information that is out there about this affliction we all have! So, here it goes...

I believe a viable solution will come for tinnitus quicker than we all think. When there is money to be earned and payments to sufferers to be reduced, comes interest and research. I believe that if someone like Jack Andraka,

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/scien...en-Prodigy-of-Pancreatic-Cancer-179996151.htm

the 15 year-old who discovered a cheap blood test for pancreatic cancer were to jump on board, he would crunch his own data, and find a solution in a flash. I believe that part of the problem is researchers continue to focus on preexisting data that has gotten them no where with a cause or cure. To say they know the cause, I do not believe is accurate. If they did, they would find a cure.

I believe that young researchers, like those at Washington University, are discovering that hearing is far more complex, and contributes to more than just hearing, than ever thought before. If you read the section about cochlear fluid, its complexity, the different types, and it's chemical balance, I think they are discovering something newer that just broken off hairs (which really aren't hair - cilia).

I also believe that forums like this have power to drive for a cause and cure. Sufferers discussing and analyzing every new shred of information and trying to make a connection. So, call me a cockeyed optimist, but I think that it is closer than we think.

 

[Louise]

Louise,
I know it's hard to believe now, but with time, you'll become more accepting of the tinnitus. As I mentioned, I haven't habituated yet, after almost 3 years, but I am learning to cope with it better. I think you will, too --- hard to believe as it may be!!

Its time I dont have though Karen. I need to be able to work to pay the mortgage and so far that's looking very unlikely.

I've got a call about TRT on Monday. The first question I will ask is; is it possible to habituate a really irregular noise that goes up and down and in and out and with a dentists drill in it.

 

[Karen]

I certainly do understand! Hope you get some answers on Monday regarding TRT. I'd like to know what they have to say about fluctuating tinnitus and habituation. Will you report back, and let us know?

 

[Louise]

I certainly will Karen x

 

[dan]

Louise, if you only hear your T during breaks in TV conversation/sound, its not that bad, believe me. If you can get away from the tinnitus by walking outside, its not that bad, believe me.
And yes, you can habituate to a fluctuating tinnitus, no problem thats what TRT will tell you.
They will also tell you, you are just reacting to a very soft sound, softer than a whisper really.

I think that if HIFU surgery is going to have good results - 70% chance of 50-100% reduction as initially advertised from trials, then its just a matter of time until the procedure is perfected as we amass more knowledge about the tinnitus brain to get 100% cure.
If HIFU fails miserably, then it will be until they use stem cells to restore full hearing which would reverse the negative brain plasticity. Stem cells for hearing are about 20-30 years away.

 

[Louise]

No, I dont only hear it during breaks in conversation, that's just when its worst. I hear it when I go walking as well now, another thing its spoiled.

My T doesnt 'fluctuate' as such its that the sound is all movement. Its not a still hum, whine, whistle or ring. Its a dance, a swishing metal coil and dentists drill, moving in and out and up and down.

I know the actual sound is weak but it does get amplified further up the auditory pathway so we sense it louder.

I'm the most hopeful for what Viktor said in his post about an eminent scientist saying they felt in 2-3 years they will have a drug.

 

[Zak]

Am I the only one that gets frustrated by the fact that they still haven't found an official cure for tinnitus, even though it's been around for ages?

 

[Jon Wayne]

the aliens will lend first.. i'm not holding my breath

 

[Per]

Otolaryngologist, Audiologist, Neurotologist, Otoneurologist. There's no end to how many ist's that needs to tell us to go home and live with it. Here's the list. Keep it in your pocket.

http://vestibular.org/finding-help-support/healthcare-specialties#specialty1

 

[Per]

@Viktor Salvatore,

Thanks for the story Viktor, I appreciate you sharing it. Please say hello to that scientist from all of us and remember to tell him we are willing to do whatever to get a cure! If his team solves this problem he's up for a medical Nobel Prize for sure. I personally think whoever solves this mystery should receive the Piece Prize.

I was told from a now retired TRT therapist that serious T research is being done in the military. Now that different countries are getting severe T sufferers in return from war action it's become a seriously expensive "symptom" - remember the "experts" doesn't want to call it a decease, alltough I feel sick as a dog. So, now that so many young soldiers are disabled the society looses billions and as we all know money is a global language that every government knows. It's cheaper for them to poor money into T research than to just avoid the issue.

If I should place my bet I believe that someone in the military research environment (U.S, Israel?) will find answers that could finally lead to a substantial relief for any T sufferer. How long is just a question of funding and will. It has to be an official intent on a governmental level. Perhaps it's about time to win the war against tinnitus, hyperacusis and hearing damages in all, instead of creating wars that produces more sufferers.

 

[Harrison]

Most of you are all very very far from the truth. YES there will be a cure for tinnitus in 30+ years! Guaranteed. It may not be found through tinnitus research which looks highly unlikely due to the sheer complexity of the condition. However this is no problem, in around 30+ years we will have most diseases/conditions cured through something called 'stem cell treatment'. When ever human being is being formed in the mothers womb every single body part, bone, muscle, organ has specialised cells known as 'super cells' these special cells instruct and command and regenerate cells to form us, everything single piece of us. So for example, the heart. When in a mothers womb we all have a heart stem cell that is pre programmed to create and form our heart. It generated new cells to make up the heart, Instructs them where to go to form different parts of the heart I.E the valves, ventricles ect. It also has the power to regenerate these cells to new. Unfortunately when we are born and all are body parts are formed we lose these super cells so our body's never regenerate fully and we slowly age untill we die. Through the advancements on modern science and medicine we are not able to extract these super cells from human sperms and eggs which contain them for the potential baby. This would be that we could directly inject these cells into the blood stream and the super cell would go to it's specialised body part, so let's say the ear and regenerate the other cells, command them and completely fix any malfunction back to brand new. This is extremely powerful scientific breakthrough in which potentially allow us to live forever, cure most diseases, reverse ageing and many more! Due to the sheer power this has they estimate nothing like this will be approved for atleast another 30 years. They have already 'cured' lab animals from paralysis, one lab right could not move or walk on one it's legs due to injury resulting in nerve damage. With a treatment of stem cells the nerves were replenished resulting in full movement in the once paralysed foot. Mind blowing stuff!

 

[Grace]

Most of you are all very very far from the truth. YES there will be a cure for tinnitus in 30+ years! Guaranteed. It may not be found through tinnitus research which looks highly unlikely due to the sheer complexity of the condition. However this is no problem, in around 30+ years we will have most diseases/conditions cured through something called 'stem cell treatment'. When ever human being is being formed in the mothers womb every single body part, bone, muscle, organ has specialised cells known as 'super cells' these special cells instruct and command and regenerate cells to form us, everything single piece of us. So for example, the heart. When in a mothers womb we all have a heart stem cell that is pre programmed to create and form our heart. It generated new cells to make up the heart, Instructs them where to go to form different parts of the heart I.E the valves, ventricles ect. It also has the power to regenerate these cells to new. Unfortunately when we are born and all are body parts are formed we lose these super cells so our body's never regenerate fully and we slowly age untill we die. Through the advancements on modern science and medicine we are not able to extract these super cells from human sperms and eggs which contain them for the potential baby. This would be that we could directly inject these cells into the blood stream and the super cell would go to it's specialised body part, so let's say the ear and regenerate the other cells, command them and completely fix any malfunction back to brand new. This is extremely powerful scientific breakthrough in which potentially allow us to live forever, cure most diseases, reverse ageing and many more! Due to the sheer power this has they estimate nothing like this will be approved for atleast another 30 years. They have already 'cured' lab animals from paralysis, one lab right could not move or walk on one it's legs due to injury resulting in nerve damage. With a treatment of stem cells the nerves were replenished resulting in full movement in the once paralysed foot. Mind blowing stuff!

if were talking a complete cure, then i agree.. But i think way before 30 years from now that there gonna find at least a solution to cut the noise down some.. Autifony might be that first line of treatment that has some effect on lowering the noise. But the truth may or may not be stem cells cause no one knows therefore theres no truth yet when and how its gonna happen.. Until it does.. If nothing pans out until 30+ years, then i agree stem cells will be the ultimate "cure"!

 

[Stina]

if were talking a complete cure, then i agree.. But i think way before 30 years from now that there gonna find at least a solution to cut the noise down some.. Autifony might be that first line of treatment that has some effect on lowering the noise. But the truth may or may not be stem cells cause no one knows therefore theres no truth yet when and how its gonna happen.. Until it does.. If nothing pans out until 30+ years, then i agree stem cells will be the ultimate "cure"!

well if a treatment is effective in my opinion it doesnt really matter whether it "cures" you or not. Being on treatment would probably be fine for most too

 

[jazz]

well if a treatment is effective in my opinion it doesnt really matter whether it "cures" you or not. Being on treatment would probably be fine for most too

Abolishing the noise is as good as a cure--which we all know. But it's also important to prevent further damage or to reverse that damage if it occurs. For preventing or reversing damage, we might be almost there if AM-101 succeeds--as it looks like it will. For a cure, at least for chronic sufferers, my best guess would be five-to-fifteen years. But it also depends how you define cure. I don't believe it will possible to abolish all evidence of tinnitus from our brains. But perhaps we can significantly reduce or disrupt the signal, which may or may not be considered curative.

In my opinion, we are close to a cure for acute sufferers, but some time away for people with chronic tinnitus.

 

[Asian]

Am I the only one that gets frustrated by the fact that they still haven't found an official cure for tinnitus, even though it's been around for ages?

Perhaps we are hoping too much from our so called "modern medicine" . It isn't so much developed after all. It can merely keep people alive for more time from serious diseases and very rarely there is a cure . Except for a few good scientists, most doctors are just routine bound clinicians happy with what they are doing and not interested in research, investigation and analysis of diseases

 

[Stina]

Perhaps we are hoping too much from our so called "modern medicine" . It isn't so much developed after all. It can merely keep people alive for more time from serious diseases and very rarely there is a cure . Except for a few good scientists, most doctors are just routine bound clinicians happy with what they are doing and not interested in research, investigation and analysis of diseases

Of course doctors are not interested in research They have no time for it anyway. For research there are scientists. Modern medicine is very interdisciplinary and a lot of people working there dont necessarily have to have a medical degree but rather a degree in biochemistry, genetechnology etc.

 

[nogood]

I hope its soon.. that is all I hope for..my wishful thinking 5 years or so..

 

[Ken219]

The only thing I can add is I've have T for 24 years. Had a few relapses. Why? I wish I knew. But when it habituated I was in heaven. How it happens I can't say. I am currently in a relapse state. I know it will take time to calm down. I pray for all ills to be cured. You will get there too. TIME!

 

[Grace]

There are other drugs in development/clinical testing to prevent hearing damage which i guess would help prevent noise induced T too. And theres another drug to prevent drug/chemo induced T.. So there heading in a good direction. Were seeing actual potential drugs now in the makes so its a real big deal and deffinally a reason we should all think a "cure" or treatment looks good in some years and not 30.

 

[Harrison]

Let's just put it this way, there will be a cure sometime in the future and possible a very effective treatment sooner. However you do have to take into account that it takes any medicine around 10 years to get approved by most regulatory bodies/authorities. The testing, saftey assesements, clinical trials and paperwork drug company's have to endure in order to get a new drug approved would make your head explode. That's what makes sueing pharmaceutical company's a damn hard thing to do. I once read an artical about a man who had chronic tinnitus, now don't junp the gun and mock it, embrace the words and be open minded. He suffered from bad depression and suicidal ideation due to his condition. He said the day he started to embrace his tinnitus was the day his life changed. He now sees his tinnitus as almost a friend. He said that when everything's gone wrong, or he's fallen out with someone close, had a bad day at work or he's lost someone close to him, he knows his tinnitus will always be with him. It will never leave his side, even when everyone/everything has. I think embracing your tinnitus is your best bet untill a proper proven treatment is found. A lot people claim herbs, exercise and yoga help but it's very minimal and probably a waste of time. I think it had a placebo effect if anything. Embrace your condition, don't fight it, try not to pay to much attention to it and there will be a treatment/cure before you know it!

 

[LadyDi]

I think embracing your tinnitus is your best bet untill a proper proven treatment is found. A lot people claim herbs, exercise and yoga help but it's very minimal and probably a waste of time. I think it had a placebo effect if anything.

I'm not sure I would say exercise and/or yoga are a "waste of time." I think they can make you healthier, whether you have tinnitus or not. But they won't make your T go away. And I certainly agree with @Harrison that accepting your tinnitus is critical. I think we will see better treatments and management techniques soon, within the next few years. But a true "cure," I fear, is quite a ways off. Tinnitus is a brain disorder, and neurological conditions are tricky. We still don't have a cure for Parkinsons, Alzheimer's and all sorts of neurological disorders where there has been tons of research done for years.

My strategy is to keep working on my acceptance, and take advantage of whatever new treatments/techniques come along that appear safe, well researched and helpful.