Reading this thread is frustrating. There's hope, but also apprehension, and while I get the skepticism, it's infuriating to see people turn their nose at what's designed to help.
From what I've gathered, there's actual science behind MuteButton, with experts in the field working on this. If people are so wary of trusting Neuromodulation and its backers, then cross out Susan Shore, FX-322, and Minnesota, too. They'll follow the same path with the same strictness in data and trials. Believe it or not, working on one project doesn't steal from another, and until a cure arrives, one can still appreciate stopgaps. They are absolutely a QoL improvement.
To hang previous setbacks over their head is appalling, when they pulled it off the market because the outcome was unsatisfactory. Does continued sales with a broken treatment fare better? Release too early and their research is questioned. Release too late and their research is questioned. They just can't win with some people.
Realistically, there's no tinnitus cure on the market, and they are treading new ground. Of course there are stumbling blocks. To demand perfection is foolish. But if researchers surrendered before every wall, patients would have to resign themselves to suffering. Some here have, undoubtedly, already done so. Medicine has always been slow and methodical field, and the hostility toward those trying to improve lives and those praying for the best is pathetic.
This attitude is miserable and disheartening. Questioning quacks on YouTube is one thing, but it's another when they're people who've dedicated their lives to tinnitus and audiology. Hubert Lim isn't a trustworthy voice? Richard Tyler? Does God need input before faith is granted? As an invisible ailment, it's not the flashiest field to treat, and results aren't easily seen. Releasing raw data won't clarify it because ignorance will twist conclusions.
I'm baffled at how Ginkgo Biloba and tapping the back of your head gets more of a pass than bimodal stimulation, which has shown real world results beyond tinnitus. Would eating an obscure flower from bumfuck nowhere get better reactions from naysayers? If you dislike MuteButton, take another pinch of magnesium, look up another crapshoot alternative treatment, and go on your third fast.
Moreover, if Neuromodulation flails at the finish line, then congratulations, you won. Stand tall and accept your prize of continued Hell on Earth. Fantastic.
Personally, I and many others are prepared and willing to live a full, happy life. Others, however, seem addicted to their own pain and wish to spread it. Rather than darken the scarce moments of possible relief, swing by the support section which is, ironically, the most toxic hub here. There are numerous threads there dedicated to giving up and ending it all.
Whatever issue tinnitus poses, this forum exasperates a hundredfold. I understand the horror it brings, but projecting your baggage onto others is ridiculous. No wonder professionals advise avoiding such a place. It's not a support group when the 1% at the brink strangle any sight of hope. Panicking newcomers do not need to be told, "You're screwed, enjoy the noise," or have to see, "I'm being murdered!" My heart goes out to the worst of them, as they need to vent sometimes, but Jesus Christ, when someone enjoys another's ringing because the sufferer's an ENT, you know the site is a pit of despair.
There's negativity in EVERY topic showing promise, and to that, I say keep up the good work. When Susan Shore comes up to the podium, she'll appreciate the hazing from those she's trying to help. But what I'm really trying to say is, keep up the good work somewhere else.