Tinnitus, or the perception of sounds when no sounds are present, affects 50 million Americans, which is equivalent to approximately 20 percent of our nation’s population. The condition can range from minor to debilitating, depending on the individual. There are proven tinnitus therapy methods, such as sound or behavioral therapy, but not everyone is able to achieve complete rehabilitation from these methods. New studies conducted in gene therapy have shown promise and may even lead to a cure for tinnitus and hearing loss.
There are a number of potential causes of tinnitus, and identifying the underlying issue is key in finding an appropriate tinnitus treatment. Many cases of tinnitus are linked to hearing loss.
Experts theorize that as you lose the ability to hear certain sound frequencies, the brain compensates by increasing your sensitivity to sound or creating phantom noises.
Gene therapy studies have attempted to regenerate cells so the body can restore the hair cells responsible for transmitting sound to the brain. Through the regeneration of sensory receptors, an individual’s hearing can potentially normalize, thereby eliminating the presence of unwanted sounds. This method has proven successful in treating other animals, primarily guinea pigs and mice. Recently, researchers have begun doing pilot testing on human subjects. In 2014, a Denver native was among the first to receive the gene therapy treatment. Though the research is ongoing, the patient did tell the New York Times he was “hearing a new sound or hearing sound differently” than he had before.
Little has been reported on the success of these trials since early 2015; however, researchers are optimistic that this therapy may lead to human treatment by 2025. If these methods are successful, it would have a significant impact on the medical field and hearing health industry. Fortunately, there are many other successful options for treating tinnitus Houston is equipped with premiere hearing health professional who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of tinnitus and hearing loss. To schedule a consultation, we welcome you to contact our team at (832) 495-4277.
There are a number of potential causes of tinnitus, and identifying the underlying issue is key in finding an appropriate tinnitus treatment. Many cases of tinnitus are linked to hearing loss.
Experts theorize that as you lose the ability to hear certain sound frequencies, the brain compensates by increasing your sensitivity to sound or creating phantom noises.
Gene therapy studies have attempted to regenerate cells so the body can restore the hair cells responsible for transmitting sound to the brain. Through the regeneration of sensory receptors, an individual’s hearing can potentially normalize, thereby eliminating the presence of unwanted sounds. This method has proven successful in treating other animals, primarily guinea pigs and mice. Recently, researchers have begun doing pilot testing on human subjects. In 2014, a Denver native was among the first to receive the gene therapy treatment. Though the research is ongoing, the patient did tell the New York Times he was “hearing a new sound or hearing sound differently” than he had before.
Little has been reported on the success of these trials since early 2015; however, researchers are optimistic that this therapy may lead to human treatment by 2025. If these methods are successful, it would have a significant impact on the medical field and hearing health industry. Fortunately, there are many other successful options for treating tinnitus Houston is equipped with premiere hearing health professional who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of tinnitus and hearing loss. To schedule a consultation, we welcome you to contact our team at (832) 495-4277.
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