Cross-Sensory Modulation of tinnitus - Preliminary Studies

Amongst the most intriguing tinnitus-related discoveries in the last decade, is that some tinnitus patients that find that particular kinds of muscle activity or awareness of sensations in other parts of the body can cause measurable decreases or increases in their tinnitus. For example, some patients find that eye movements in a specific direction affect their tinnitus. This curious phenomenon, is referred to by doctors and scientists is an example of cross-sensory modulation.

The importance of cross sensory modulation for other senses apart from hearing is becoming increasingly recognised by neuroscientists over a diverse range of fields especially those who deal with taste and smell. The key role played by interactions of the senses in affecting our final perceptions was presented on Radio 4 science documentary 'Beyond the Taste Buds'*�

With studies of small groups of tinnitus patients in the US,� results were obtained using sophisticated imaging techniques such as functional MRI.� In this small group of patients activity in one part of the brain associated with making eye movements appeared� to affect those parts of the brain involved with the perception of tinnitus.�

Preliminary work in attempting to understand this phenomenon has now begun at Leicester Royal Infirmary. One of the important first steps in this study is to gain a better understanding of how widespread cross-sensory modulation of tinnitus is and how different patients may experience it.� Depending on a sufficient percentage of patients consistently experiencing cross sensory modulation changing their tinnitus,� this could provide basis for at least partial control of tinnitus within these patients.

* Monday 18 December 2006 11:00-11:30 (Radio 4 FM).