University of Minnesota Tinnitus Research with Acoustic and Body Stimulation

I must correct myself. You were right. I was mistakenly referring power output (=amplifier) in dB, but change in sound pressure level 6 dB equals near double volume. Ratio can be calculated from 10 ^ (x/20) , where x is difference in dB’s. So if difference is 7 dB, ratio is 2,24 .

 

6db is double the amplitude, not necessarily the volume...

http://www.sengpielaudio.com/calculator-loudness.htm

 

The loudness is about 65 dB during the trial. The hyperacusis warning is because they have to do an Acoustic Brainstem Response which was loud as hell. I'm sure around 100 dB through earphones.

 

Thanks, this is bit complicated. So, if you want +3 dB from you amplifier, you must double ( ratio is 2) its power output. If SPL (amplitude) increases 6 dB then it is double than before. If volume (subjective hearing) increases 10 dB then it is double than before.

 

@kelpiemsp that's very sad news.

I have one short question. Is your tinnitus reduction somewhat comparable to the soundtrack on the previous page with 10 dB difference?

I hope you improve more and it's nice to know that it can somewhat prevent spikes.

 

That sounds dangerous, even for people who only have T. How long did they blast you with 100 db?? Only very shortly I hope.

I don't see myself ever willingly letting someone blast me with 100 db through headphones, unless I was absolutely 100% guaranteed that the treatment would lower my T.

65 db is not bad and nothing to worry about in regards to my H (and T)

 

The ABR is not required for treatment but was part of the study. I'm not sure why to be honest.

 

@kelpiemsp - Thank you for creating and updating this thread. I am very thankful for your contribution. I've been reading every post. It surely has helped my mood and raised my hopes for science to find a method to alleviate the condition.

Anyhow - some good news - I've just received an e-mail from the University of Michigan where they welcome me to participate in a similar trial that you currently undergo at the Uni of Minnesota. The bi-modal treatment. They probably are going to invite a signficantly larger number of participants this time. Therefore, I would like to make you and anyone suffering from T, living in the upper Midwest, aware of this opportunity.

Unfortunately, I live half a world away and can not participate. I however hope some of the forum members are able to, and, are motivated to write a sort of diary that you have done here.

Best whishes.

 

@kelpiemsp
Hello.
Are they doing both ears at the same time?

 

I'm confused. One of the questions is can you make it to weekly appointments for 6 weeks to 8 weeks (or something along that line). Did you answer yes even though you live in Norway?

 

@BuzzyBee - I actually did not tick that box when I signed up earlier this month, but still, they sent me an invitation. So I understand that you are bit confused. But If I were a millionaire and didn't have to show up on work each day, I'd be happy to participate.

 

Somewhat. It's hard to say since audio equipment etc varies so much. But to me...it's about 75% of that.

 

Edit: After reading the thread i answered a lot of my questions.

Can someone explain to me the difference between this study and the Shore one?

 

@Jack Straw I think it's in phase II and Kelpiemsp is in the current trial

 

That's very impressive to me! It can make it a bit more normal to live with. Especially if it prevents tinnitus from spiking like you said.

Hope you and your wife are doing despite the circumstances. You are a hero replying to all of us. It gives us so much hope. Sorry for my bad English, I'm from Holland.

Best wishes.

 

Incredibly similar. The main difference being the nerve and ultimately whether inferior colliculus or DCN is being affected.

 

Very interesting. I am very optimistic after reading about your experiences. I see that the trials are only done to people who can alter their tinnitus by changing their posture or something similar. Will the final device only be able to help them or will it be for everyone with tinnitus?

 

Nobody knows. If you go through the entire thread there is a diagram that explains it. Basically 80% of T travels through the same "fuse box" regardless if it's somatic or not. But it's believed that all somatically influenced T must. So that's all.

 

Oh okay. So they only want to test it on people who have tinnitus that is 100% going through the fuse box because the 20% who doesn't won't benefit. Makes sense from the clinical standpoint, but I hope they can do some testing on non-somatic individuals.

 

Interesting. I signed up way back in July and keep getting responses saying the volume of interested participants is high and that they are still going through them and thanks for patience etc. etc. etc. If you signed up in August and got an invitation already, I suppose it means I didn't pass the screening for some reason....and I live nearby and would have gone. What a bummer, but thanks for sharing your info so I can stop planning my drives to Michigan.

 

@BuzzyBee I understand. It wasn't really an invitation but more like a second pre-screening. The Uni of Mich have a counter on how many subjects who are interested in that trial. The number was about 400 yesterday.

 

Thanks for the clarification. I think I've only done one screening at this point, but have lost track.

Anyhow, this is the Minnesota thread and U of Minnesota seems to be moving right along with their trials. Glad we have @kelpiemsp updating. I wonder if U of Michigan just has a bigger public relations team therefore more people are aware of the study, while U of Minnesota is quieter about it or just in a quieter phase. From my rudimentary understanding it seems like the devices do pretty much the same thing.

 

What is this device? Is it big? Is it also a combination of sound and current? Will it be possible to use it independently at home, or do you need a professional setup?

 

Sound and current. There is no prototype yet so it's hard to say.

 

@BuzzyBee - I got a generic thank you note from them, I replied that I am waiting for a Uni in Europe to start replicating the study. That should take me out of the competition for spots on subjects for the trials

 

@kelpiemsp do you feel like the tinnitus will reduce further if you get the treatment on a daily basis?

 

It makes sense in theory but I really don't know. I think that will be the focus of the next trial.

 

@kelpiemsp
Hi i hope you can Tell me based on your trial, how long do you have yo stay in Minnesota to take part in the trial?

 

@papu I just went through the sign up page on the website. It says you'll have to attend weekly for 4-6 months. Wish I could but I'm on the other side in Canada

 

I hope you get involved! Hope you're family is well these days.