The Importance of Finding an Answer to Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the perception of noise when the external sound isn’t present. People who suffer from the symptoms describe a wide variety of sounds including ringing, buzzing, clicking, or hissing, among many other noises. The annoying sensation is a problem that is estimated to affect approximately 20% of the population or around 50 million Americans.
Symptoms of tinnitus have been related to a vast number of causes, but it is commonly part of age-related hearing loss or the result of sudden or prolonged exposure to loud noise. Although tinnitus often affects those with age-related hearing loss, it is also one of the top two reported health concerns among both active and veteran military service members, and is rapidly becoming more prevalent in young people due to exposure to daily increased noise levels.
In fact, a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey estimated that 2.5 million young people between the ages of 12–19 have symptoms of tinnitus. Concerts and sporting events, portable music devices, firearms, heavy equipment and loud machinery, noisy workplaces and many other loud or prolonged sources of noise are contributing to hearing loss and triggering associated tinnitus symptoms for a growing number of people of all ages around the globe.
The sounds that sufferers hear can affect one or both ears, range in pitch and volume, and can be constant or intermittent. In fact, for some, the volume can be so loud or troublesome that it can hinder their ability to hear actual sounds, interfere with their capability to concentrate, cause depression or anxiety, interrupt sleep. Certainly, tinnitus can significantly affect quality of life in many ways. Even those with more moderate cases find that tinnitus can interfere with their ability to work and to socially interact with others.
However, not only does tinnitus affect the sufferer’s physical and mental health, but it can have a significant financial impact to both the individual and to society as a whole in terms of health expenses, decreased productivity, and lost wages.
According to The American Tinnitus Association, the cost has been estimated at more than $26 billion annually. Adding to this burden is the growing number of seniors globally. In addition, as a leading cause of disability among U.S. military veterans, the cost of these disability payments has been nearly $1.5 billion, without inclusion of related healthcare service costs.
At this time, although there is no cure available, numerous methods are available to try to help suppress or manage the symptoms or to help those who suffer from anxiety, depression or sleep disruption due to the symptoms. Yet, it is clear that finding a solution to this rapidly growing problem is vital.
Toward this solution, Otomagnetics is currently developing a proprietary magnetic injection delivery system combined with biodegradable magnetic particles (composed solely out of materials approved by the FDA for injection into the body) for treating noise induced hearing loss and for reversing tinnitus.
Otomagnetics welcomes advocacy organizations, private industry, foundations, or individuals who have a shared interest and would like more information or who wish to partner with them in advancing their goals. If you would like to find out more information about Otomagnetics' research, please visit www.otomagnetics.com or contact us at info@otomagnetics.com.
