Tinnitus in the aquarium

Zebrafish, familiar to the aquariums of tropical fish lovers, are emerging as a potential weapon in the fight against tinnitus.

Primarily, this is because zebrafish have auditory systems similar enough to those of humans to be considered useful in researching the causes and phenomena of deafness.

The pioneer of tinnitus-related research using zebrafish is a man called Professor Ernest Moore, an audiologist working in the area of molecular pharmacology, who himself is a sufferer of the condition after being exposed to the sound of artillery fire during his earlier life in the US Army.

During his research Moore has found that giving the fish particular drugs can result in them exhibiting over-activity in the inner ear's hair cells. This is relevant because it has been noted that such over-activity is common in the auditory cortex of tinnitus sufferers.

Now Moore has ushered in one of the most exciting research developments for the condition in recent times. By using blocker drugs he has been able to reduce the level of over-activity in the auditory systems of zebrafish to normal levels. Although it is too early to speculate whether these blocker drugs will provide a breakthrough treatment for the condition, Moore is enthusiastic about the idea of clinical trials for human patients.

He comments, "If these drugs are found to be safe and some are already on the market for other uses and if they are found to have efficacy in humans, then they might be used to treat an individual's tinnitus."

Making a no win, no fee claim for occupational tinnitus
Tinnitus is no trivial matter and all employers in the UK have a duty to protect their workers from levels of noise that might induce the condition.

YouClaim's panel of no win, no fee industrial deafness solicitors includes a number who specialise in representing claims for tinnitus compensation.

All work on a no costs basis in these cases, win or lose. We also protect you from all costs incurred by the opposing legal team, ensuring your claim remains completely cost-free from start to finish.

Furthermore, we offer a 100 percent compensation promise, meaning no-one will ever take a cut from the money awarded you.

Our legal advisors are always happy to hear from you. They can be reached on 0800 10 757 95. Alternatively, you may wish to fill out an online claim form and we will get back to you at a time you say is convenient.