The road to more effective, less invasive, and faster developing treatments for tinnitus and loudness hyperacusis lies in focusing on the brain and not the ear.

As a result, increased prefrontal activity may be helpful in improving gating function (automatic filtering), a topic for future research.

Potential solutions include reducing dynamic range, volume reduction when not actively participating in the game, and actively reducing sounds that are known to induce tinnitus, or hearing ringing or buzzing sounds.

I knew how uncomfortable deafness could make people. What I hadn’t expected were some of the reactions my hearing aids got. To me, the hearing aids were life-changing. To me, I was the lucky one.

The 218 planned gift commitments total an estimated $30 million to $50 million, 100 percent of which will be used to fund scientific research on hearing loss and related conditions.  

I am so grateful to be able to hear again. The use of two new hearing aids helped my brain to better coordinate sounds, and when I wear these new aids the annoying tinnitus is barely noticeable!

Getting the diagnosis at age 17 made me feel like I couldn't really be a teenager and enjoy my time as a teen. Over time, I accepted it as a part of my life but also learned how to change my lifestyle to be able to live the life I want to live. 

Although the exact cause of tinnitus is not always clear, there are several known triggers that can contribute to the development or exacerbation of this condition. 

A new study from Mass Eye and Ear investigators shows that individuals who report tinnitus are experiencing auditory nerve loss that is not picked up by conventional hearing tests, known as cochlear synaptopathy, which is commonly referred to as “hidden hearing loss.”

Hearing loss affects more people than cancer or diabetes, yet it receives significantly less funding and research attention. Your support is helping us tackle this often overlooked health issue.

Sound suppression technology is the latest innovation in military weaponry. While hearing protection is still a must, each bit of reduction is significant.

As of this year, our general hearing health grants have been renamed Elizabeth M. Keithley, Ph.D. Early Stage Investigator Awards in recognition of Keithley’s impact on the field and long service to HHF, and the awards’ focus on supporting the next generation.