Researchers at the University of Auckland are excited by 'encouraging results' from a clinical trial of a mobile-phone-based therapy.The study randomized 61 patients to one of two treatments, the prototype of the new 'digital polytherapeutic' or a popular self-help app producing white noise.

Figure 1: The new 'digital phototherapeutic' producing white noise.

Figure 1 shows that on average, the group with the polytherapeutic (31 people) showed clinically significant improvements at 12 weeks, while the other group (30 people) did not."This is more significant than some of our earlier work and is likely to have a direct impact on future treatment of tinnitus," Grant Searchfield says. [1]

Key to the new treatment is an initial assessment by an audiologist who develops the personalized treatment plan. It combines a range of digital tools, based on the individual’s experience of tinnitus.

“This is quicker and more effective, taking 12 weeks rather than 12 months for more individuals to gain some control.”There is no pill or medication that can cure tinnitus.“What this therapy does is essentially rewire the brain in a way that de-emphasizes the sound of the tinnitus to a background noise that has no meaning or relevance to the listener,” Dr. Searchfield says.

Dr. Phil Sanders, says the results are exciting and he found running the trial personally rewarding.“Sixty-five percent of participants reported an improvement. For some people, it was life-changing — where tinnitus was taking over their lives and attention.” [2]

Some people didn’t notice an improvement and their feedback will inform further personalization, Dr Sanders says.Tinnitus is a phantom noise and its causes are complex. It has so far defied successful treatment.

While most people experience tinnitus, or ringing in the ears at least on occasions, around five percent experience it to a distressing degree. Impacts can include trouble sleeping, difficulty carrying out daily tasks and depression.

Dr Searchfield says seeing his patients’ distress and having no effective treatment to offer inspired his research. The next step will be to refine the prototype and proceed to larger local and international trials with a view to FDA approval.The researchers hope the app will be clinically available in around six months. [3]

References:

1. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220812114014.htm
2. https://scitechdaily.com/significant-breakthrough-in-search-for-tinnitus-cure/
3. https://neurosciencenews.com/white-noise-tinnitus-21226/

Cite this article:

Sri Vasagi K (2022), A Mobile Phone-Based Therapy for Tinnitus Care, AnaTechMaz, pp.97