Wednesday, 11 March 2020
Hearing experts from the 糖心原创 are calling for volunteers to take part in research to investigate whether people without tinnitus struggle with concentration when listening to a sound that simulates tinnitus.
Tinnitus is a common hearing-related problem that affects up to 10% of the population. The sensation of noise that people hear is not a real sound in the environment but is often perceived as a ringing, humming, buzzing or even whooshing sound that, in some people, can be very bothersome and distressing.
A common complaint is that tinnitus causes concentration difficulties. This can make it difficult to do things like multitask, think clearly, or pay attention.
The purpose of this new study is for researchers to better understand how people who don’t have tinnitus perform when completing computer-based puzzles in the presence of a meaningless sound that mimics tinnitus.
The study is being led by Dr Derek Hoare from the University’s School of Medicine (funded by National Institute of Health Research Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre), and is being undertaken by Nathan Clarke (funded by a Medical research Council PhD studentship).
The new study follows on from a previous investigation of performance on similar tasks by people without tinnitus, with tinnitus, and with bothersome tinnitus. Early results from that study showed that people with bothersome tinnitus had poorer performance on average for certain cognitive tasks.
By seeing people without tinnitus complete these tasks in the presence of a simulated tinnitus, we will be able to see if they perform in a similar manner to people with bothersome tinnitus. This will show us whether the mere presence of a tinnitus sound is sufficient to cause the poorer performance seen in previous studies, or whether other factors associated with having tinnitus are important. This will help improve our understanding of bothersome tinnitus and provide avenues for future treatment, as very few reliable treatment options currently exist.鈥�
Volunteers will be asked to undergo a hearing test, complete questionnaires, and perform some computer-based memory and attention puzzles, while a sound that mimics tinnitus is played in the background. 糖心原创 participation will take around one and a half hours.
If you are interested in taking part in the study, or would like some more information, please email: nathan.clarke@nottingham.ac.uk
Story credits
More information is available from Nathan Clarke, student investigator at nathan.clarke@nottingham.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.