A report published in the October 11, 2009 issue of the International Journal of Low Radiation provided evidence of a protective effect for Ginkgo biloba extract against radiation damage. Such damage may occur during radiological body imaging techniques, accidents or occupational overexposure.

The researchers  used radiation-induced programmed cell death (apoptosis) to evaluate the protective effect of ginkgo extract. In one experiment, white blood cells from human donors aged 18 to 50 were treated with one of four concentrations of ginkgo extract or a 9% saline solution before being exposed to gamma rays.

The researchers found a significant dose-dependent reduction in apoptotic cells among those treated with ginkgo. While radiation induced apoptosis occurred in nearly one third of irradiated cells not treated with ginkgo, the number declined to 5% or less in cells treated with the highest concentration of the herb.

In another experiment, mice were treated with ginkgo extract or saline before and after receiving whole body ionizing radiation. Examination of the animals spleens found that treatment with ginkgo maintained organ size comparable with that of animals that did not receive radiation, while spleens in irradiated animals that did not receive ginkgo were significantly smaller.

Premium-grade Ginkgo biloba extract is a primary ingredient in Arches Tinnitus Relief Formula.

Barry Keate

Research at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA found a protective effect for the B vitamin folate (folic acid) against the development of hearing loss in older men.

The research was based on the 1986 enrollment in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. In this study, 26,273 male health professionals who were 40-75 years upon enrollment, completed follow-up dietary questionnaires every two years. The questionnaires were analyzed for intake levels of several vitamins, including folate, and related hearing loss diagnosed since the beginning of the study. The investigation is the first large study to prospectively examine the relation between diet and hearing loss.

The study found that men over 60 whose intake of folate from food and supplements was among the highest 20% of participants had a 21% reduction in the risk of developing hearing loss compared to those in the lowest fifth.

Lead researcher Joseph Shargorodsky, MD, states, “A possible explanation for the impact of age on the relation between folate intake and hearing loss is the increased prevalence of folate malabsorption and folate depletion in the older age group. Higher folic acid intake may be necessary to meet the optimal folate needs in this age group.”

Folic acid is found in Arches Tinnitus B-12 Formula.

Barry Keate

Tinnitus authority and otolaryngologist. Michael Seidman, MD, FACS, was named chair-elect of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery Board of Governors. The election took place this October at the organization’s annual meeting in San Diego.

As chair-elect, Dr. Seidman will oversee communication between the AAO-HNS Board of Directors and the local, state, regional, national, and international otolaryngology-head and neck surgery organizations and residents. During his three-year term, he will initially serve as chair-elect, then chair, and finally immediate past chair.

AAO-HNS, one of the oldest medical associations in the nation, represents more than 11,000 physicians and allied health professionals worldwide who specialize in the treatment of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck.

Dr. Seidman is an expert on otologic/neurotologic surgical problems, skull base tumors, cochlear implants, noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus. He is co-director of the Tinnitus Center, director of the Division of Otologic/Neurotolgic Surgery in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery and director of the Otolaryngology Research Laboratory for one of the nation’s most prestigious health systems.

The Department of Defense has awarded a $1.27 million grant to the University of Kansas to study tinnitus. Tinnitus and hearing loss are the number one injury claim made by armed forces personnel returning from duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Scientists will focus on whether the regeneration of hair cells in the inner ear can not only restore hearing, but also reduce tinnitus and restore normal brain function to targeted areas. This is the first clinical study that will examine the efficacy of replacing inner-ear hair cells to treat the disease. Researchers will conduct their studies in an animal model and then translate those results so they can be applied to humans. They study will last three years.

According to one of the researchers, Dianne Durham, PhD, professor of otolaryngology, “Our objective is to cure tinnitus, but first we have to find out what causes the ringing noises. Since the inner-ear hair cells transmit signals to the brain, we think replacing them will put us a step closer to our goal.”

An international team of scientists from the US, France and Germany have found a gene associated with a newly identified type of hearing loss. 

The gene is called SLC17A8 and is believed to be the cause of a previously unidentified class of congenital hearing loss. It is characterized by diminished ability to hear high frequency sound. According to a scientist at the University of Michigan Health System, Marci Lesperance, MD, the degree of hearing loss and the ages affected varies in individuals.

The discovery of the gene now allows for a simple screening test to indentify if a patient has a disposition for the specific type of hearing loss associated with SLC17A8 . Researchers found that this new found type of hearing loss is similar to presbycusis, a type of bilateral, age-related hearing loss. They believe that studying the gene will bring greater understanding about age related hearing loss and its causes.

Here’s one for the books… or at least the links. A study published in the British Journal of Medicine warns that certain golf clubs can cause hearing loss and by extension tinnitus.

The popular titanium clubs used by golfers everywhere create a mini sonic boom upon impact with a golf ball. Years ago the sound of a wood driver hitting a ball made a healthy click, but now the intense ping that explodes off titanium clubs creates a sound as loud as a jackhammer or jet engine at take-off.

Recent tests at Florida’s North Palm Beach Country Club with director of golf Mike Gray measured decibel levels on impact. “They design them to be louder, its more exciting. If it sounds louder, it feels like it will go father” said Gray.

Time and again the impact pinned the meter past 130 decibels. 130 decibels equals the noise level in close proximity to a jackhammer and a jet taking off on the runway. By comparison the blast from a gun muzzle hits 140 db and a rock concert clocks in at 132.

The study suggests wearing ear plugs. Tennis anyone?

It can manifest itself in a variety of ways. Some have tinnitus, others have migraines some individual experience a clicking or locking of the jaw, and others have pain on the sides and back of the neck.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder affects up to 3/4 of Americans at some time in their life. The TMJ is a complicated joint which connects the lower jaw to the temporal bone on the side of the head. Often the symptoms go away on their own, according to an article published in the New York Times, Personal Health section (2/3/2009). It’s causes are many; environmental, biologic, social, behavioral, to name a few and it impacts women most often. An incredible ninety percent of patients who seek treatment are women.

Those who experience the above symptoms are urged to obtain at thorough examination (often dentists trained in craniofacial care) and assessment of the problem before embarking on a therapy, especially if they have tinnitus or migraine headaches.

While surgery is the last resort there are many simple and safe therapy options:

1) Rest the jaw is the most important.
2) Stop harmful chewing and biting habits.
3) Avoid opening your moth wide while yawning or laughing.
4) Temporarily eat only soft foods, such as soup, yogurt, fish and cottage cheese, pureed vegetables and fruit.
5) Apply heat the side of the face and take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, for up to two weeks.

Two recent European studies discuss the relationship between tinnitus, depression and self-image. A study from the University Medical Center at Groningen, The Netherlands, revealed that a remarkable number of tinnitus patients are depressed and have a negative attitude toward life. They do not dare to share these feelings with others, which means they receive little social support, which in turn leads to withdrawal behavior. This is also described as the so-called “Type D personality”. No fewer than 94 of the 265 tinnitus patients investigated had such a personality type. These patients experienced significantly more psychological discomfort, the research revealed. Anxiety and depression appear to strengthen the effect of tinnitus. People with a Type D personality in particular should undergo treatment that concentrates on the reduction of anxiety and depression.

Another study from Innsbruck Medical University in Innsbruck, Austria showed that people suffering from tinnitus may also have negative feelings about their body concept and body image. Sixty-five patients with chronic tinnitus were interviewed concerning the subjective distress caused by their tinnitus, their body image and any depression. These were compared to a random sample of healthy control patients. Overall, the study collectively showed significantly less vitality and body dynamics, attractiveness/self-confidence and were less pleased with the appearance of their own body than the control patients. Comparison of those patients reporting severe tinnitus and those with mild tinnitus found that with increased tinnitus, patients suffered from significantly greater uncertainty and concern with regard to their bodies. In practice, problems involving a person’s body image should be given greater consideration during examination and when planning treatment and therapy should incorporate body-related exercises.

Barry Keate

Though the results weren’t overwhelming, US researchers found that a substance often used by plastic surgeons to reduce wrinkles was helpful for some in reducing tinnitus,  according to a news story in Hear-it.org.

Botox, a nerve agent commonly used in cosmetic surgery, was found to be helpful for approximately one out of four patients tested in a clinical study. Scientific researchers from the California Ear Institute, San Ramon, CA, conducted  tests using Botox treatment for patients with tinnitus. Twenty-six participants received small Botox injections in their ears; seven reported improvements in tinnitus symptoms after 4 months, 16 reported no change, and three said their tinnitus had become worse.

The placebo part of the experiment confirmed the results of the Botox treatments. Some participants reported no change when they received Placebo injections, others said their tinnitus got worse. The scientists say that more research is needed to gain an understanding of the effect of Botox on tinnitus and how it might become part of future tinnitus treatment strategies.

Individuals listening to personal stereo devices may find that the volume level just  isn’t as loud if European Union’s Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risk has their way.

According to committee researchers, one out of ten users listen to music at decibel levels that cause permanent hearing damage. MP3 players and the like with the use of in-ear headphone phones, commonly called “earbuds,” have the ability to reach 120dB. Hearing damage can begin as low as 90dB (think truck traffic). 120dB is 5 points louder than a rock concert. Ultimately this could put up to 10 million people in the EU at risk.

Typically younger people are the ones at risk for this type of hearing damage and the committee’s concern is that these music devices will eventually have a long-term negative impact on the health of their constituents.

A British study found that 6.9 per cent of people aged 18 to 25 played their personal stereos louder than 90dB. The Royal National Institute for Deaf People has calculated that more than two thirds of young people who regularly use MP3 players face premature hearing damage.

As well as hearing loss and tinnitus, loud noise can also affect the memory, attention, school performance and may even lead to higher blood pressure, according to some studies.

Apple, makers of iPod have introduced software that can limit the volume of their device, but only after being ordered to do so by the French government or have their products removed from stores.

The European Commission is organizing a conference to discuss the findings and is expected to recommend a reduction in the maximum legal volume of these personal stereo devices.