Scientists from the University Of Arizona have been working to develop a cure for the extremely bothersome ear ringing condition known as tinnitus. They are hopeful that they have finally discovered a remedy.
After much experimentation with mice, the scientists discovered they could stop ringing in ears by blocking a protein that inflames the brain, effectively curing the condition. Now, they are hoping to achieve the same results in humans by using a pill to block the protein.
Professor Shaowen Bao co-headed the study, which was published in the publications PLOS Biology. The scientists' work proposes that by blocking this protein, they can prevent the development of tinnitus even after elongated exposure to loud noise.
Bao spoke to The Metro about the study. He said:
"Genetic knock out of TNF-A or pharmacologically blocking its expression prevented neuro-inflammation and ameliorated the behaviour associated with tinnitus in mice with noise-induced hearing loss. These results implicate neuro-inflammation as a therapeutic target for treating tinnitus and other hearing loss-related disorders.This breakthrough in curing tinnitus has proven fruitful, and the University Of Arizona scientists are hopeful that the same results can be achieved with humans.
Though the actual cause of tinnitus is still unknown, it is widely believed that exposure to loud noise is a main trigger for the condition. If that's the case, this new development is great news for DJs, musicians, concert-goers, and all who suffer from this extremely irritating condition.
H/T: DJ Mag
