Discuss on Tinnitus Talk Forum

Tinnitus Talk spoke with Dr. Rauschecker, one of the most eminent researchers on tinnitus. We’re excited to launch our podcast series with this highly engaging interview, a must for anyone who wants to understand how tinnitus works in the brain and how we can get to a cure.

The interview covers a wide range of topics, from Dr. Rauschecker’s own experience as a tinnitus patient to his theories on how tinnitus manifests in the brain. He hypothesizes on links with other brain disorders like depression, and the role of stress in triggering tinnitus. Dr. Rauschecker is hopeful about the prospect for a cure, but also talks about the obstacles to overcome, specifically the dire lack of funding for tinnitus research. We also discussed the role that patient communities can play in resolving this.

Dr. Rauschecker is currently raising funds for a new study into animal models for tinnitus. You can donate or learn more here.

Skip to: 00:00 Jack Straw talks about the podcast and introduces the interview.

Skip to: 06:40 Hazel and Dr. Rauschecker kick off the interview.

Skip to: 08:11 Dr. Rauschecker’s own experience as a tinnitus patient.

Skip to: 15:02 Tinnitus brain mechanisms: How tinnitus manifests in the brain.

Skip to: 19:41 Tinnitus brain mechanisms: The “gating mechanism” and role of the limbic system.

Skip to: 24:39 Why not all people with hearing loss develop tinnitus.

Skip to: 26:07 Tinnitus and emotional response – what is cause and effect?

The idea that the limbic system is involved in tinnitus is not new, of course. […] The conventional explanation is that this a reaction to the tinnitus. […] But our theory turns this around 180 degrees: What if the broken gating mechanism is the cause of our perception of tinnitus?

Skip to: 32:34 Variability and fluctuations in tinnitus – what factors are at play here?

Skip to: 37:26 Sub-typing: Does it matter what caused one’s tinnitus?

Skip to: 39:37 Comorbidities: How are depression and tinnitus interlinked?

Skip to: 45:26 The role of stress in triggering tinnitus.

Skip to: 49:44 Lack of funding for (cure focused) tinnitus research.

Unfortunately, the funding levels of funding agencies are frighteningly low. I don’t think they understand the importance of that disorder. […] I’m always shocked how little for example the Department of Defence or Department of Veteran Affairs here in the US is doing.

Skip to: 51:52 Dr. Rauschecker’s current and planned research – the importance of animal models.

Skip to: 55:45 The trouble with raising funds for studies involving primates.

Skip to: 57:18 How will Dr. Rauschecker’s research contribute to a cure?

Skip to: 1:00:31 Next steps: clinical trials, deep brain stimulation, pharmaceuticals.

Skip to: 1:04:00 Timeframe: When will we have a cure?

Skip to: 1:05:31 New treatments (e.g. bimodal neuromodulation) and lack of research collaboration.

Skip to: 1:08:56 Mobilizing patient communities to advocate for cure research.

One reaction I often get [when I bring up tinnitus in the neuroscience community] is: ‘It’s not as important as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s. You can’t die from tinnitus.’ And I say: ‘Yes you can, if you commit suicide.’ But it’s always considered a minor disorder.

Skip to: 1:14:30 Ideas for public awareness raising.

Skip to: 1:17:00 Dr. Rauschecker’s fundraiser: How will he keep donors updated?

Skip to: 1:20:19 Closing remarks and answering follow-up questions.

Skip to: 1:22:27 Outro by Jack.