Best Guess on When Tinnitus Will Be Cured?

[Eric N]

Hey all,

Just want to ask when is it predicated that there will be cure for tinnitus or at least a medication to suppress it?

 

[stantheman]

This is a question many would like the answer to. Unfortunately many "experts" say there will never be a cure because of the complexity of the ailment. Some say if there is a cure it will not be in the lifetimes of anyone alive today. I have given up hope for a cure, My only hope is that it might go in to remission or I will get so use to it that it will stop being an issue in my life.

 

[erik]

We can hope for a cure but as Stan said tinnitus is very complex. Pinpointing the origins of tinnitus have been challenging since there are some many causes. They have only recently begun to realize which areas of the ear/brain are affected by tinnitus. There are very few cures for any medical condition. I am hopeful however, that successful treatment will found. There is more tinnitus research now then ever before. There have been good progress in areas like rTMS etc.

There is no direct medications for tinnitus but there are some that can help especially if you have an underlying issue like anxiety, stress, sleep issues or depression. Many meds used to treat those conditions can help with tinnitus. Talk to your doctor about getting on something if you feel you need it.

Living with tinnitus does get better with time. It took me till about my fourth month before things started to turn around. There are good resources and people on this forum that can help support you.

 

[Louise]

A Karl, Erik & Joe Cooperative in 2015

It is complex with many variants as to the mechanism by the looks of it but there's already the ANM device that does help some and there are already drugs that calm over-active neurons and thus make it quieter.

If they would put their backs into it and got some decent funding then surely in the next 10 years?

 

[Sen]

i don't think there will be a magic bullet cure for over 100 years.

within 15-30 years there may be a reliable method of volume reduction or possible elimination that may work for some people.

 

[Karl]

Louise -
In a make-believe world where Eric, Joe and I are the decision makers, we would hit this thing like the Manhanttan project, full-force, with all the money that Bill Gates has. No more pussy-footing around. Massive computer studies of the audiology system. Hell, let's take some death row inmates with tinnitus and wire sensors to their brains. Get the drills and scaples out, make injections. Frankenstein lug-bolts in the neck. Just do it.

I'm getting all ramped-up again. This is why I didn't go into medicine.

Just like that Old Monty Python song, "Always Look at the Bright Side of Life", there are things that we can do which may not be cures, but "sort-of cures". Hearing aides may offer some relief. With TRT, supposedly tinnitus becomes a non-issue.

It's amazing how for most people with tinnitus, it's no big deal. What is it that makes us different?

 

[Viktor Salvatore]

Hi folks. I have been a quiet reader of the threads, but a sever sufferer on the other hand. I received my Tinnitus after being at a friends house for a 4th of July party when his unsuspected mortar-sized fire cracker misfired in my direction and exploded with the full force of the concussion wave blowing past my face and ears. I said unsuspected as I did not know he would have fire works but after everyone went to the front yard i happened to follow. As i realized the particular fireworks was not going off on schedule when compared to others, I had asked him to put it out as he was holding the active water hose in his hand. As I was backing up and already 25 feet or more from his launch spot he answered lets wait and see what happens. That was when it exploded sideways, instead of up and came right at me.

Anyway, I qualified and went to the Department of Defense funded Blast Impact Tinnitus Study being conducted by a top notch scientist from a top notch university. I was in an MRI for over one hour. Other tests were performed as well. the study is half way through the three year period.

The military is very serious about finding a solution, cure, relief and answer to Tinnitus as its highest VA expenditure is for treating Tinnitus.....can anyone answer how many billions are now spent by the VA on Tinnitus disability alone? I don't have to give away the scientists name or the university as it is posted on the internet. All you need to do is research for DOD sponsored research into Tinnitus.

Upon finishing the exam, I asked this incredible scientist which in my opinion is sent by god for all of us. I asked him Dr...... Nothing is out there to give us Tinnitus sufferers any relief at all. Just a bunch of internet scams, sound therapy promises and the word "manage it or live with it". Do you feel your research will change this and if so how soon....5 years, 10 years, after i am dead (im in my 40s)?

The scientist answered our research is based on brain chemicals. Not sound therapy or wishful thinking. We feel we have solid ground to say that in the next 2 to 3 years our research will change for the better all Tinnitus suffering today. And you will be notified along with other participants in this study first since you gave your time and participation to this important study.

With this, I hope I can turn around some of the lost hope I sensed above in reading the posts. I suffer everyday and night. I listen to an mp3 of gentle rain during the day and crickets on youtube or on my soundmachine when on the laptop at home or in bed. At work in my office I can't wear or listen to sounds so i suffer in torment alone as I have three kids i must feed and cloth as they are so young. I suffer greatly. Suicide looked good and then i realized my children...i don't live for me anymore.....i live for them....so i live on and suffer on,,,, but i have hope and hope in this lifetime dear member from above that said not in his lifetime. I pray that I can transfer to you sir or mam hope as this doctor had given me and made you that must stronger to get through your days.

Before I finish, I'll leave you with a hint as I found it in another post already discussed.
https://www.tinnitustalk.com/thread...or-tinnitus-video-wayne-state-university.374/
Thank you all. Please keep the faith and don't say never. Why put yourself hope down. Now you should have some once again.

 

[stelar]

Hi Victor, how bad is your tinnitus?

 

[Marty]

Thanks for sharing that Victor, I don't want to get false hope, but it felt nice to read it!

 

[Louise]

Thankyou Viktor.

 

[Louise]

Louise -
In a make-believe world where Eric, Joe and I are the decision makers, we would hit this thing like the Manhanttan project, full-force, with all the money that Bill Gates has. No more pussy-footing around. Massive computer studies of the audiology system. Hell, let's take some death row inmates with tinnitus and wire sensors to their brains. Get the drills and scaples out, make injections. Frankenstein lug-bolts in the neck. Just do it.

I'm getting all ramped-up again. This is why I didn't go into medicine.

Just like that Old Monty Python song, "Always Look at the Bright Side of Life", there are things that we can do which may not be cures, but "sort-of cures". Hearing aides may offer some relief. With TRT, supposedly tinnitus becomes a non-issue.

It's amazing how for most people with tinnitus, it's no big deal. What is it that makes us different?

That made me laugh Karl, first time in a long while. You might come up against some stiff opposition on the usage of death row people though

I cant believe anyone wouldnt be bothered by T and I'm sure type of noise/volume must have something to do with this even though Jastreboff etc says not.

 

[daedalus]

I have never read a tinnitus expert saying there would never be a cure. But those interrogated said it was going to be a difficult search. Also, papers i read point towards different etiologies for different subtypes of tinnitus which implies different cures working for a part of the tinnitus public only. For a very limited number of people, "cures" are already a reality. The problem is now that nobody has a working idea of why some treatments work for someone and not for someone else.

Also, some treatments are hugely expensive and give often partial relief.

De Nora, the founder of the TRI, believes he will be cured in the next 5 years. I believe i will be cured when i will be richer, much richer. Which won't happen before 20 years if it happens at all.

 

[Karl]

I'm very encouraged by Vicktor's statement about the serious military tinnitus research:

The scientist answered our research is based on brain chemicals. Not sound therapy or wishful thinking. We feel we have solid ground to say that in the next 2 to 3 years our research will change for the better all Tinnitus suffering today. And you will be notified along with other participants in this study first since you gave your time and participation to this important study.

Coincidentally, today Erik posted something very promising: "Harvard Researchers Restore Hair Cells with new drug LY41175"

Is LY41175 the cure? (They're going to need to come up with a catchier name.)

Looks like there is hope!

 

[Eric N]

I would like to ask you all a question, How many of you have tinnitus as a result of hearing loss e.g it is detectable on audio gram? Hair Cells Restoration seems promising for those who having hearing loss but my tinnitus seems to have no detectible reason - not sure if should feel better or worse.

 

[Sen]

I would like to ask you all a question, How many of you have tinnitus as a result of hearing loss e.g it is detectable on audio gram? Hair Cells Restoration seems promising for those who having hearing loss but my tinnitus seems to have no detectible reason - not sure if should feel better or worse.

when you got your audiogram did they test for hearing loss beyond 8khz-10khz? it's possible you have high frequency hearing loss beyond what is detectable from a standard speech range audiogram. it is also thought that damage to hearing can occur in ways that don't involve volume and frequency thresholds, which could explain things like hyperacusis and diplacusis.

 

[Tom Barry]

Great post Vicktor. You certainly gave me some hope. Karl I have had hearing aids now for about three months. There has been no change for me other than I hear alot better. I have the resound alera TS that are programed to increase DB of 3Khz and higher. They have a program that provides a low level white noise which helps when the T seems louder than normal.

 

[sharon]

One can go on forever reading through the treatment threads. They all promise that some treatment will come to us soon, but how soon do you think it will be? bearing in mind that it first has to be tested.

 

[nookie]

Personaly i think minimum 10 years, but that my cent on the bet =)

 

[Markku]

First let's think it this way...

How many cures are there for most ailments in the world? Cures are pretty rare! There are treatments, but often they need to be be continued.

I don't know whether a cure-of-all-forms-of-tinnitus is even feasible.

Pharmacologically speaking the treatment would probably need to be continued indefinitely, but who really cared if there are no serious adverse effects. A specific single pharmacological treatment might not put a stop / reduce every tinnitus case, but they might help some.

The surgeries (HIFU comes to mind) would offer a more permanent solution, but that's still IMHO unknown what's the outcome of that, and if it works on the larger scale.

Neuromodulation, from what I've gathered if these type of treatments work then some implants need to be inserted and if the treatment is stopped, tinnitus might make a comeback...

My guess (which is largely based on how complicated the approval of new drugs and treatments is, including the trials etc.) is: we are at least 5 years away from working treatments, but that number can be 10 or more too.

Note to self: Remember to be disappointed if within 7 years time there aren't more effective treatments for tinnitus.

 

[Mario]

How I see it is,
Tinnitus isn't really life threatening, I've had it a week, it's annoying as anything but it isn't going to kill you. I don't think Tinnitus is a priority in getting a cure, it is hardly known to the youth, I think Cancer will be first before anything. Because one, it is life threatening, and Cancer, depending on where you live, is more common than Tinnitus. So my prediction for it is going to be 10 years at the least.

 

[Fish]

Note to self: Remember to be disappointed if within 7 years time there aren't more effective treatments for tinnitus.

I, for a change, am a little more optimistic and will remind you of your quote in 7 years from now, once we are both tinnitus-free already

There are really many treatments on the way - neuromodulation, surgeries, drugs. Some of those are in an advanced phase of approval. Even today, there are cases of somebody being actually cured of tinnitus (disregard the first result, Arches is a snake oil ). Thing is, there is probably 100 or even more causes of tinnitus, so far we can treat just few of them...

 

[nookie]

@Fish:

Yes there are several causes of the tinnitus, but i don't understand why everybody is focusing on root cause. Tinnitus is a symptom, it sounds in everybodys head and we all have sound inside our head that means it sounds in the same place in everybodys head. Now i don't care if it's my ears that are big, if my head is to wide or if i'm missing a leg, just remove the noise right?

People should try to focus where it sounds instead of where it comes from. as you said it could be 100 reasons what causes tinnitus but there is only 1 place where it sounds. Our head

 

[sharon]

After a year I'd be happy with just a reduction x

 

[Clive]

For a new sufferer what I am going to say will be difficult to accept but here goes. We already have a treatment that can and does work. It's called "habituation". There is a lot of information about how to achieve this and how to promote it in others on the Internet. The tricky bit is that many people find it very difficult to achieve. It usually requires one to one counselling with the person with experience in this field. Other people managed to achieve it themselves. Rather than constantly searching for a curer we should instead be investigating closely how to promote habituation quicker in patients. I have done it but I have every sympathy for those who have'nt -yet.

 

[Louise]

Have you managed it then Clive? How long did it take?

I just cant see my own personal sound being habituatable. Its got too much movement in it, going up and down and in and out. I hope Jastreboff would disagree

 

[click]

@Fish:

Yes there are several causes of the tinnitus, but i don't understand why everybody is focusing on root cause. Tinnitus is a symptom, it sounds in everybodys head and we all have sound inside our head that means it sounds in the same place in everybodys head. Now i don't care if it's my ears that are big, if my head is to wide or if i'm missing a leg, just remove the noise right?

People should try to focus where it sounds instead of where it comes from. as you said it could be 100 reasons what causes tinnitus but there is only 1 place where it sounds. Our head

Without definitive causes nookie it is unlikely that we will find cures for many types of tinnitus. The research into the causes leads to possible remedies.

 

[Paul D]

For a new sufferer what I am going to say will be difficult to accept but here goes. We already have a treatment that can and does work. It's called "habituation". There is a lot of information about how to achieve this and how to promote it in others on the Internet. The tricky bit is that many people find it very difficult to achieve. It usually requires one to one counselling with the person with experience in this field. Other people managed to achieve it themselves. Rather than constantly searching for a curer we should instead be investigating closely how to promote habituation quicker in patients. I have done it but I have every sympathy for those who have'nt -yet.

I'm glad it worked for you, Clive, but to say "We already have a treatment that can and does work" implies that this solution or method will work for everyone if they'd only give it a chance or see the right professional. Unfortunately, that's simply not the case. Yes, I believe every person suffering from tinnitus should investigate habituation methodologies as potentially effective treatment strategies for their condition. But just drawing from Markku's post above as an example, for most of us it's not all that simple.

 

[Douglas C]

Thanks for your post Vicktor. It makes me feel a little better to know there are other people out there freaking out at work, going home and listening to crickets, and then going to bed and listening to rain.

 

[Grant1]

I would like to ask you all a question, How many of you have tinnitus as a result of hearing loss e.g it is detectable on audio gram? Hair Cells Restoration seems promising for those who having hearing loss but my tinnitus seems to have no detectible reason - not sure if should feel better or worse.

Eric, have you undergone an otoacoustic emission test? It was very helpful to the otoneurologist who is treating me in understanding the reason why the nearly chronic tinnitus in my left ear is far louder than the quieter intermittent tinnitus in my right ear.

I would ask the same question about echoes01 about whether you have been tested in the ultra-high frequencies yet?

 

[Eric N]

Eric, have you undergone an otoacoustic emission test? It was very helpful to the otoneurologist who is treating me in understanding the reason why the nearly chronic tinnitus in my left ear is far louder than the quieter intermittent tinnitus in my right ear.

I would ask the same question about echoes01 about whether you have been tested in the ultra-high frequencies yet?

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?