Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay have developed an innovative and affordable device to diagnose and manage tinnitus, a condition characterized by hearing sounds that others cannot. While tinnitus is not a disease, it is a symptom of underlying medical issues and can significantly disrupt daily life.
According to research published in JAMA Neurology (2022), tinnitus affects over 740 million people worldwide, with more than 120 million experiencing severe symptoms. Although anyone can develop tinnitus, it is most common in individuals aged 40 to 80 years.
How does it work?
According to scientists, the device and the supporting application software offers a comprehensive approach that includes precise tinnitus matching, customisable multimodal tinnitus management approach and disease progress tracking at an affordable cost. The device has been developed through a collaboration between IIT-B researchers, led by Professor Maryam Shojaei Baghini and Neeleshkumar Pandit and a group of Master of Technology students, and ENT experts from Hinduja Hospital in Mumbai, including Dr. Milind Kirtane and Dr. Arpit Sharma.
The objective of the project is to equip clinicians with the precise tinnitus diagnosis tools and provide each patient a unique experience in the tinnitus management.
What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the absence of any external source, so other people cannot hear it, and is commonly described as ringing in the ears. The condition can lead to sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, irritability, and a negative impact on mental and social well-being. While there is no cure, effective management can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected.
