Scientists make a breakthrough in finding a cure for tinnitus

Scientists have claimed a breakthrough in the search for tinnitus treatment.

The potentially debilitating disease was reduced in mice by blocking a protein that fuels the inflammation of the brain.

The researchers suggested that the results could pave the way for a new treatment after future trials.

Tinnitus is a common sensation when a person hears a buzz in their ears. It is unclear exactly what causes the disease, but about 10% of people live with chronic tinnitus.

In mice with hearing loss due to noise, the study showed inflammation in the brain sound treatment area, a controlled ringing in the ears.

Principal Professor Shaowen Bao of the University of Arizona said, "Hearing loss is a widespread condition that affects about 500 million people and is a major risk factor for tinnitus – the perception of noise or buzzing in the ears.

Recent research suggests that hearing loss causes inflammation – the immune system's response to injury and infection – in the ear canal.

But his contribution to problems related to hearing loss such as tinnitus is still poorly understood.

The results suggest that the treatment of inflammation in the sound treatment area of ​​the brain could lead to treatment or curative treatment of tinnitus and other hearing loss-related disorders.

Professor Bao added that although the therapy was effective in animals, additional studies on potential adverse effects needed to be performed prior to any human testing.