Tinnitus affects as many as 1 in 6 people worldwide
Tinnitus is a common condition with an unknown cause. Diverse triggers for the onset of tinnitus are suspected, but no single source of the condition has been discovered. Thus treatment options vary considerably. Ultrasonic treatment for tinnitus focuses on high-frequency pitch exposure to diminish or reverse the problems. The process affects both the inner ear and the brain itself in an effort to rid victims of this frustrating condition.
Tinnitus
A "ringing in the ears" is the most common perception of tinnitus. Usually high-pitched, the sounds experienced by a tinnitus victim are not from external auditory events. Many theories abound as to the cause of these sounds. Some treatments assume a psychological or neurological source for the condition. Ultrasonic treatment focuses on brain re-programming to resolve the symptoms. It aims to train the brain to ignore the sound. Some efforts attempt to manipulate the source of tinnitus directly to stop producing the sounds completely.
Ultrasonic Sense
It is a popular notion that human beings are incapable of sensing ultrasonic sound. While this ability is widely recognized in animals, it has also been proven possible for people. A 1946 study demonstrated that human brains are capable of distinguishing separate ultrasonic frequencies. Subsequent research indicates that the brain's response to many variables can be permanently altered through use of ultrasonic therapy. This has prompted ultrasonic treatment for the reduction or elimination of tinnitus.
Bone Conduction
Unlike the normal range of sounds, ultrasonic sounds are most easily discerned via bone conduction. The frequencies make their way to the inner ear not from outside the external ear (air conduction), but from inside. Thus, even deaf individuals with no outer ear function can accurately differentiate ultrasonic sounds conducted through the skull. To use ultrasonic therapy for any condition, including tinnitus or combination deafness-tinnitus, the process involves a bone conduction device that translates auditory signals into vibrations for bone conduction.
Research
The International Tinnitus Journal discusses a study in which successful neural reprogramming was accomplished by ultrasonic stimulation. The research attempted to reverse the neurological process that creates tinnitus in some victims. After stimulation using high-frequencies, the neural areas affected by tinnitus expanded and became more sensitive to normal external sounds. Ultrasonic therapy also demonstrated effectiveness for masking the tinnitus symptoms in cases where reprogramming did not occur.
Treatment
Small hand-held devices are becoming common for the individual treatment of tinnitus. After evaluation by a medical professional, tinnitus sufferers may acquire a device to use at home (Resource 2). By placing the mechanism on the skull behind the ear, ultrasonic vibrations are emitted via bone conduction for a short period of time. Periodic application of the ultrasonic treatment can reduce tinnitus symptoms in some patients. Such devices are not suited for all forms of tinnitus. While they may help manage the frustration of the condition, they do not necessarily lead to a permanent cure.
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