While the exact physiological cause of tinnitus is not known, there are several conditions that have been shown to trigger or worsen tinnitus: Exposure to loud noises, wax build-up in the ear, ear or sinus infections, head and neck trauma, and certain disorders, such as hypo- or hyperthyroidism, Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, and thoracic outlet syndrome.

Previous medical studies also have shown a strong association between tinnitus and various psychological disturbances.

For the Henry Ford study, Dr. Yaremchuk, Dr. George Miguel and their research team conducted a retrospective study of 117 patients treated between 2009 and 2011 at Henry Ford.

Information was gathered from patients through telephone and written interviews using the Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire (or, TRQ, which determines the emotional effects tinnitus has had on a person's lifestyle and general well-being) and the Insomnia Severity Index (or, ISI, a brief screening measure of insomnia) scales.

Severity of TRQ was shown to be a good predictor of sleep disturbance and in predicting group association, especially the “emotional” subscore component (sensitivity 96.9 percent and specificity 55.3 percent for identifying tinnitus patients with insomnia).

The greater the insomnia disability, the more severe the patient's complaints were regarding the tinnitus, the study finds….More at Insomnia takes toll on tinnitus patients

The tinnitus sufferer, may prove to be a danger to others as well as themselves, when driving or operating machinery, as a result of endless days of insomnia, with no apparent end in site to their symptom.

 

University Of Leicester Study Identifies Key Cellular Mechanisms Behind The Onset Of Tinnitus (via redOrbit)

 

Research into hearing loss after exposure to loud noises could lead to the first drug treatments to prevent the development of tinnitus Researchers in the University of Leicester’s Department of Cell Physiology and Pharmacology have identified a cellular mechanism that could underlie the development…

 

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• A cure for tinnitus? Hope for millions tormented by ringing in ears as scientists edge closer to developing first drug treatments(dailymail.co.uk)

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BHI Raises Awareness of Hearing Aids as Potential Therapy to Help Quiet "Ringing in the Ears" During National Tinnitus Awareness Week (via PR Newswire)

 

WASHINGTON, May 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — The Better Hearing Institute is joining the American Tinnitus Association (ATA) in recognizing National Tinnitus Awareness Week (TAW), May 13 to 19, 2012, and is raising awareness of hearing aids as a potential therapy to help quiet chronic "ringing in the ears…

 

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• Could a digital hearing aid help with your tinnitus?(newshubs.co.uk)

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