Is there finally a way to measure tinnitus? - newsmaster - October 11, 2025
https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/is-there-finally-a-way-to-measure-tinnitus
Key Findings- People without tinnitus reacted only to unpleasant sounds, showing a normal stress response.
- People with severe tinnitus or hyperacusis showed heightened stress response where they even treated harmless sounds as threads.
Other Highlights- Tinnitus currently has no objective test-doctors rely on patient self-reports to gauge severity.
- Harvard-affiliated researchers tested 100 adults, half with tinnitus or hyperacusis, using sound exposure, facial video, and pupil tracking.
- These biometric patterns accurately predicted tinnitus severity reported by participants.
- The approach could lead to the first objective way to measure tinnitus, improving diagnosis and treatment tracking.
- The method is noninvasive and low-cost, using video and eye-tracking instead of expensive medical equipment.
- Researchers plan to build an open-access platform so others can use the tool in clinics and studies.
- Results are preliminary and need validation in more diverse populations.
- Current relief options remain: CBT, sound therapy, mindfulness, stress reduction, and medical evaluation.
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