Long-term inhibition of tinnitus by UltraQuiet therapy: preliminary report

Int Tinnitus J. 2001;7(2):122-7.

Abstract

Masking of tinnitus by noise can produce residual inhibition, a persistence in the reduction in tinnitus after the noise is removed. Typically, this relief is very short-lived, on the order of minutes. This report highlights long-term inhibition of tinnitus by UltraQuiet therapy, a new technique that employs patterned sound in the 10- to 20-kHz range, presented through bone conduction. Nine subjects participated in a study of the efficacy of this tinnitus suppression technique. Eight reported improvement in tinnitus symptoms; one did not complete the study. The duration of the improvement ranged from days to weeks. This long-term inhibition may involve a truly plastic change in the brain at the central level.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Perceptual Masking*
  • Tinnitus / physiopathology
  • Tinnitus / therapy*