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Riversntallbuildings t1_isjrlrr wrote

Two points:

One, does this discovery give us any better shot at fixing tinnitus?

Two, while I appreciate this article, this quote:

*“This is the last sensory system in which that fundamental molecular machinery has remained unknown,” *

Doesn’t strike me as accurate. I thought the sense of smell was the bigger molecular mystery. Especially because people smell differently. What is pleasant to one person is not to others. However, sound is pretty universal and easily measured with tone, frequency & decibels.

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MrCloudyMan t1_iu6vt1t wrote

I imagine it will help those who've had tinnitus as a result of hearing loss.

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Riversntallbuildings t1_iu7b366 wrote

Any idea when it will be available?

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MrCloudyMan t1_iu83vue wrote

Well, they found the chemicals that translate vibrations into sound. And it wasnt confirmed on humans, but on an animal whose ears are closely similar to humans.

So theres a long way to go. First they probably need to confirm the same hypothesis on humans. Then they need to see how it is related to the inner hair cells. So were probably looking forward regenerative hair cell medication. When a medication is found, it will need to go through all clinical trials. So overall I'd say 10 years if we are very lucky, otherwise 20-30 years.

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