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Study Does Tinnitus Affect the Brain Structure?
Many people suffer from chronic tinnitus. The constant tinnitus may not only be a burden in everyday life, but could also affect the brain of those affected, so the assumption of scientists of the University of Jena (UKJ). The researchers will address this issue in a comprehensive study and are currently seeking volunteers to participate in the research project.
In addition to the direct impairment of hearing, chronic tinnitus also brings psychological stress to many sufferers, which in turn can have health consequences. In the planned study, the research team will med. Bianca Besteher from the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at the UKJ is now investigating "the impact of hearing loss, chronic tinnitus and the often resulting mental stress on the structure and function of the brain". For the participation in the study still healthy subjects are searched.
Does chronic tinnitus affect the brain structure? This question should now be clarified at the University Hospital Jena. (Image: Axel Kock / fotolia.com) Detailed shots of the brain structure
The extent to which chronic tinnitus changes the brain should be clarified in the study with the help of MRI images. "For this purpose, tinnitus patients and patients with typical psychic sequelae in the magnetic resonance tomograph for detailed recordings of the brain structure and the representation of brain function are examined," said the UKJ. The comparison with the measurements of a healthy control group should make possible deviations clear. The assistant doctor Besteher was selected with her research project "for a rotation center of the interdisciplinary center for clinical research and can now spend one year solely devoted to her research work", reports the UKJ.
Understand neurobiological basics of tinnitus and their psychological consequences better
"The study should help to better understand the neurobiological foundations of the burdensome ear noises and the development of psychological consequences in order to enable a more targeted therapy," emphasizes the study leader. Currently mentally healthy volunteers without tinnitus between the ages of 40 and 70 are being sought for participation. The study included "in addition to the radiation-free MRI examination, a hearing test and several questionnaires and takes about two hours," said the UKJ. (Fp)