The AudioNotch Tinnitus Treatment Blog

Please note: the following information does not constitute professional medical advice, and is provided for general informational purposes only. Please speak to your doctor if you have tinnitus.

If you have tinnitus, you should be excited about the Auris medical AM101 treatment that is going through clinical testing. It is currently in the third phase of development, and there are similar studies underway in both North America and Europe. The first patient has just been enrolled in the European study.

What is Tinnitus?

Those who have this condition often hear noise even if there is none nearby. It may sound similar to ringing, clicking or hissing. These sounds may make it harder to sleep or concentrate, which could lead to depression or anxiety. In some cases, the sounds are present in one ear although they are generally present in both ears. When no one else can hear the noises a person with tinnitus hears, it is referred to as subjective tinnitus. When the sounds can be heard with a doctor’s stethoscope, it is referred to as objective tinnitus.

What Would the Auris Medical AM101 Do to Help Patients?

The medication comes in the form of a gel that is administered through a series of injections over the course of three to five days. Once the gel has been injected, it then diffuses through different surfaces of the ear. The gel itself is made from biologically compatible material that will biodegrade in a timely manner. The drug then acts as a blocker of NMDA receptors that are thought to excite the auditory nerves and disrupt natural hearing.

What Would Happen if Auris Medical AM101 is Successful?

Early results indicate that patients experience a dramatic improvement in symptoms after 90 days of treatment. There was an average tinnitus loudness improvement of 48 percent while more than 60 patients indicated that they had improved symptoms. Those who underwent treatment for tinnitus after acute acoustic trauma also saw improvements in their ability to sleep compared to the control group. If the drug continues to show positive results, it may become the first drug approved by the FDA to treat acute inner ear tinnitus.

If approved for use on patients, it may be possible for those who suffer from ringing or consistent loud noises could find relief. Although it may not completely eliminate the symptoms, those who have the condition could find it easier to function during the day. By reducing or suppressing symptoms, it could be possible for individuals with tinnitus to live happier and more productive lives both today and in the future.