The Newcastle University-led research works by introducing a sound modulation technique to participants, which aims to disrupt patterns of activity  in the brain’s sound processing regions – making the tinnitus quieter.

Participants in the study were played specifically modified sounds for an hour daily over a period of six weeks. Researchers think the sounds helped change patterns of activity in the sound processing regions of the brain - activity that is a key factor believed to be a root cause of tinnitus perception.

Therapy’s key advantage

Unlike existing treatments, a key advantage of the therapy is that it has the potential to be delivered digitally using everyday devices like smartphones and headphones, without the need for specialist equipment or clinical supervision.

Researchers used synthesised musical notes for the work but believe the method could also work with other forms of audio content, including conventional musical compositions.  

Dr Will Sedley, researcher at Newcastle University and consultant neurologist at Newcastle Hospitals, who co-led the study, said: “Key to the success of the technique is constantly changing the volume or frequency of sound at each of the frequencies, but doing it differently at each one.

“We think that, as a result, the brain cells responding to each of the sound frequencies end up activating at different times rather than all together. If we think of these brain cells like a crowd of people, then what we are doing is trying to make them all talk at different times rather than chant together, which makes it much easier for the brain to ignore.

“What makes this development so promising is its potential for widespread rollout, along with its ability to treat various forms of tinnitus - not just one specific type, as is the case with some current treatments.

“We are really excited about our long-term goal to allow people to treat their own tinnitus just by using their own existing devices and listening to the audio content that they already enjoy.

“We are still searching for funding to further develop, improve and expand this treatment, but are optimistic that the research funding bodies - and manufacturers of audio devices and software - will be as enthusiastic as we are about what we might achieve for those living with tinnitus.”

In a blinded, randomised online trial involving 77 participants, the reduction in tinnitus lasted for at least three weeks after the therapy ended, suggesting there could be long-term benefits.

Importantly, the trial played a placebo version of the sound therapy to the same participants, where sound frequencies away from the tinnitus were modified instead, and found that this had no effect on tinnitus loudness.       

The study found that the new method compares favourably to existing sound therapies, many of which require longer treatment durations, specialist oversight, or costly equipment.

In the trial, the average quieting effect on tinnitus was relatively modest, making it around 10 percent quieter on average. There were however some participants who achieved much larger benefits, and others who did not benefit.  The researchers are now seeking funding  to conduct a series of further trials to make improvements to the sound therapy, which they hope will have a stronger effect on tinnitus.

With the study conducted entirely online, researchers believe the treatment has the potential to be delivered globally at minimal cost, making it suitable for large-scale rollout.

The research team also plans to explore ways it can be developed into a user-friendly software platform for global distribution, and even incorporated into the music and other sounds that people already listen to in the course of their daily lives.

Ralph Holme, Director of Research at RNID, said: “This is a highly promising development when it comes to possible treatments for tinnitus - a condition which affects millions in the UK and for which there is currently no cure.

“Most current tinnitus therapies focus on learning to live with the condition and developing ways to manage it – which millions of people do find hugely positive and helpful.

“However, this new method focuses on reducing the sound itself and targets the source of the tinnitus perception. And because the therapy has the potential to be rolled out with relative ease, in the future people could access treatment with just a few swipes of their smartphone.”

Benefit to patients

Max Barker, 30, from Stockport, has had tinnitus for around four years . He said: “I woke up one day and had a constant, high-pitched noise in my head. It felt like the tinnitus I’d noticed in the past when I’d been to a gig or somewhere loud. But this time was different - I hadn’t been to any concert, festival, or noisy place that could have triggered it, and that’s what really concerned me.

“When you have an injury or an illness, you expect to get over it, expect to get better. But tinnitus isn’t like that. Tinnitus is just this thing, something you have to cope with. I’ve just had to deal with it in my own way.

“The methods I use now to manage it are effective, and over time I’ve grown more accustomed to the sound. Still, the possibility of a new treatment is really exciting, particularly the idea that it could be accessed so easily in the future.”

The study and the development of the technique was supported by RNID, the Masonic Charitable Foundation, Wellcome, National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), and the Academy of Medical Sciences. 

Reference: Chronic tinnitus is quietened by sound therapy using a novel cross-frequency de-correlating stimulus modulation. Hearing Research. E.A. Yukhnovich et al.