As we’re sure many of you will know, Tinnitus is the perception of a sound in the ears or head with no external source. Many people describe it as ringing, buzzing, hissing or humming that never stops. In the UK an estimated one in seven adults experience tinnitus at some point. For some it is mild but for others it can be persistent and stressful. At Hearing Healthcare Practice we help many patients to manage their tinnitus and so we’re always interested in new research that may be of interest.
Recent research from Newcastle University has identified a new form of sound therapy that may provide new ways to support people living with chronic tinnitus.
What did the study test
The researchers developed a sound modulation technique designed to reduce the loudness of tinnitus. Participants with chronic tinnitus listened to specially modified sounds through headphones for one hour each day over six weeks.
The trial was set up so people listened to two types of sounds in a random sequence, and neither they nor the researchers knew which was the “active” version and which was placebo. This helps make the results more reliable.
What the results showed
The study found that the new sound therapy reduced the perceived loudness of tinnitus by around ten per cent on average. This quieter perception continued for at least three weeks after the treatment period ended. Some participants experienced larger benefits while others saw little change.
A key advantage is the therapy could be delivered digitally. Because people used everyday devices such as smartphones and normal headphones, there is potential for delivery through apps or online platforms.
How this differs from current approaches
Our current tinnitus treatments focus on helping people cope with their condition rather than reducing the underlying sound itself. Approaches like tinnitus retraining therapy aim to help people habituate to the sound rather than quieten it.
This new method attempts to change how the brain’s auditory areas process sound patterns so that the tinnitus percept becomes softer. Researchers think that by constantly modifying sound volume and frequency the brain’s response becomes less synchronised and more like normal listening.
What this means for people with tinnitus
Although modest, these early findings are encouraging because they show a small but measurable reduction in the perceived loudness of tinnitus. If the therapy can be optimised further and delivered through familiar apps or digital platforms.
The research is however still in early stages. Larger studies are needed to confirm who benefits most and how to refine the treatment. This is not yet any sort of ‘cure’ but it points toward a new route for managing tinnitus.
Why research like this matters
Tinnitus can have a real impact on quality of life. Even modest reductions in perception can help some people sleep better, concentrate more easily and feel less distressed. New treatments that target brain processing could expand options beyond traditional management alone.
If you are living with tinnitus and would like support now, Hearing Healthcare Practice offers hearing healthcare assessments and personalised management plans that can help.
Would you like more details on our tinnitus therapies and how they might help, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH.
In the meantime, we’ll continue to monitor all the latest advances and news from the world of hearing.