The Cause Of Tinnitus Finally Discovered

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Scientists at the University of Iowa have discovered that tinnitus is caused by multiple areas of the brain, and not just the parts of the brain that perceive sound – contradicting the previously accepted theory that tinnitus is caused due to damage to hair cells in the inner ear. 

The finding could have a major impact on finding a cure for tinnitus, a condition which has been, until now, notoriously difficult to effectively treat. 

Independent.co.uk reports:

The Iowa scientists, led by Gander, studied the brain waves of a 50-year-old man.

The subject gave them permission to study his tinnitus, using electrodes that had been planted directly into his brain to reduce his epileptic seizures(after doctors cut a four-inch hole in his skull to implant said electrodes).

The findings suggest that tinnitus might not stem simply from an isolated defect in the auditory cortex, the part of the brain that perceives sound, but that more of the brain might be involved.

“We found essentially that almost all the hearing parts of the brain are involved,” said Gander.

“Including a number of other areas of the brain related to processing emotion and memory and attention,” he continued.

The researchers used loud sounds to suppress the man’s tinnitus.

By monitoring the patient’s brain waves while his tinnitus was active or silenced, they could identify the brain waves associated with his tinnitus.

“That’s why our paper is a big deal for scientists,” Gander says. “We’re able to say what is specific to the tinnitus itself, as opposed to the distress or lapses of attention they might have because of their tinnitus.”

As this is only the first patient studied, Gander stressed that the results should be interpreted accordingly.

Gander’s discovery might explain why the condition is so resistant to treatment.

“Maybe the reason tinnitus is so treatment-resistant,” Gander says, “is because it’s involved with so many parts of the brain. So any sort of treatment might not be able to knock out one area of that system. You might have to target all of them, which might be very difficult.”

4 Comments

  1. This article is really packed with good information. I also discover some cause of tinnitus and try to treat it.
    I have had a ringing noise in my ear for a while now (very annoying). I searched online for a solution and came across a book on http://www.wje592.com/alternative-tinnitus-remedies/ . I really enjoyed this book because it is straight to the point. A lot of other books have a lot of filter information and I have to spend a long time reading before I get to start implementing the tips. Fortunately, I was able to get rid of the ringing right away, and am really grateful for this.

    Never stop looking for the treatment you want.

  2. This article is really packed with good information. I also discover some cause of tinnitus and try to treat it.
    I have had a ringing noise in my ear for a while now (very annoying). I searched online for a solution and came across a book on http://www.wje592.com/alternative-tinnitus-remedies/ . I really enjoyed this book because it is straight to the point. A lot of other books have a lot of filter information and I have to spend a long time reading before I get to start implementing the tips. Fortunately, I was able to get rid of the ringing right away, and am really grateful for this.

    Never stop looking for the treatment you want.

  3. I have been a patient of tinnitus ringing ears

    since 5 years. I had tried a lot of anti viral meds

    prescribed to me by doctors over the years but I

    could not see any improvements in my

    symptoms. One day while going through the

    internet , i got to know about this great Herbal

    Dr who uses his herbal remedies in curing

    people,quickly i contacted him. After few weeks
    .
    the improvement were very visible. Outbreaks

    has stopped and the sores started to heal. I

    would recommend this to all my

    friends,families,around the globe suffering from

    tinnitus ringing ears.you can contact the Dr

    through his email on

    drbalispellhome@gmail.com or call him on 08146154388 thank you very much doctor

  4. I have been a patient of tinnitus ringing ears

    since 5 years. I had tried a lot of anti viral meds

    prescribed to me by doctors over the years but I

    could not see any improvements in my

    symptoms. One day while going through the

    internet , i got to know about this great Herbal

    Dr who uses his herbal remedies in curing

    people,quickly i contacted him. After few weeks
    .
    the improvement were very visible. Outbreaks

    has stopped and the sores started to heal. I

    would recommend this to all my

    friends,families,around the globe suffering from

    tinnitus ringing ears.you can contact the Dr

    through his email on

    drbalispellhome@gmail.com or call him on 08146154388 thank you very much doctor

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