US Researchers Release Findings On Hearing Problem

A scientific breakthrough which has identified how tinnitus is caused has raised hopes that the hearing condition could be treated.

Experts from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have claimed that the problem, which affects a huge number of people across the world, is caused by inhibitory neural pathways in the brain failing to function to the best possible extent.

It is hoped that the discovery could lead to treatment of the condition, which often has a major emotional and psychological impact on sufferers and has been known to lead some to consider suicide.

Irwin Mitchell’s workplace illness team represent a number of people who have suffered some tinnitus following exposure to high levels of noise during their employment in industrial settings, call centres and many other environments.

Mark Allen, an Associate Director at the firm’s Sheffield office who specialises in such claims, said: “Tinnitus and its impact on people can often be underestimated by people, but we have seen just how difficult it can be for sufferers to endure permanent buzzing or ringing in their ears.

“While there are a handful of disability solutions, there has been little in the way of progress in terms of a treatment for many years now.

“However, this research appears to hint at a potential way forward in assessing and potentially correcting the problem that could ensure that fewer people are faced with the struggle of living with the illness.

“It is welcome news and I hope that researchers can quickly work to discover a cure for this difficult and often misunderstood condition.”

If you or a loved one has suffered from hearing damage such as acoustic shock, tinnitus, and noise-induced hearing loss caused by conditions at work our solicitors could help you claim compensation. See our Industrial Disease Claims page for more information.