Tinnitus Linked to Undetected Auditory Nerve Damage, Study Finds
Despite normal hearing tests, individuals with tinnitus may suffer from 'hidden hearing loss', opening new paths for treatment through auditory nerve regeneration.
- A new study by Mass Eye and Ear associates tinnitus, a condition affecting over 10% of adults worldwide, with undetected auditory nerve damage, challenging previous beliefs and opening new paths for treatment through auditory nerve regeneration.
- The study involved 294 participants ages 18 to 72 who all performed normally on a pure tone test. The results showed far less activity in the auditory nerve, as well as hyperactivity in the brainstem among participants with tinnitus compared to participants with 'normal hearing'.
- The research team found that chronic tinnitus was not only associated with a loss of auditory nerve but participants also showed hyperactivity in the brainstem.
- The study suggests that even individuals with normal hearing tests can suffer from this hidden hearing loss, paving the way for new treatments focused on nerve regeneration.
- The investigators aim to capitalize on recent work geared toward the regeneration of auditory nerve via the use of drugs called neurotrophins.
NBC News 
UPI 
