Deep brain stimulation in refractory tinnitus: searching for the off switch

With tinnitus, people hear sounds such as ringing or hissing without an external sound source. It is very common but can sometimes have a major impact on daily life. For example, people may have sleeping problems or find it harder to concentrate. They may also experience psychological symptoms, such as feelings of anxiety and depression.
Current treatments, such as hearing aids and cognitive behavioral therapy, alleviate the symptoms but do not eliminate the noise.
This study shows that deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the thalamus can be a safe and promising treatment for people with severe, refractory tinnitus.