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In recent years many a tinnitus treatment news story has generated hope among the thousands of people in the UK who suffer this symptom of noise-induced hearing loss.
Sadly, many of these news stories have proved to be false dawns; however, in 2009 one story that proved particularly exciting concerned the work of scientists at the University of Western Australia who showed, for the first time, that it may be possible to eliminate long-term tinnitus in people who have only just developed symptoms.
The tinnitus treatment developed by the university team relied on reducing nerve signals produced in the inner ear of sufferers. The researchers found that, if effected within six weeks of the onset of symptoms, reducing nerve signals by removing part of the cochlea actually reduced the kind of nerve activity that is associated with the condition. The treatment also relied on the supplementary use of anti-tinnitus drugs.
Lead researcher Professor Don Robertson said: "This finding indicates there may be an early phase of tinnitus development which could be arrested by temporarily dampening down the firing from the cochlea.
"And although a lot more research needs to be done at this stage, it is a very exciting prospect."
It is estimated that around one in every 100 people in the UK will develop tinnitus at some point in their lives, with many doing so due to workplace conditions associated with breaches of the Noise at Work Regulations.
However, due to the very limited window of opportunity available for implementing the treatment, its efficacy would rely on workers becoming aware of symptoms and employers closely monitoring both workplace noise conditions and the health of all workers potentially exposed to hazardous noise.
Claim compensation for workplace tinnitus
Tinnitus is not a disease in itself but is a symptom of industrial deafness, which is defined by the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act of 1988 as "the permanent loss of hearing caused by exposure to industrial noise in a worker's employment".
All employers have a duty to protect the hearing of their workers and should, where appropriate, provide suitable protective equipment such as ear defenders.
Manufacturing, construction, and energy and water industries workers are some of the most noise hazardous workplaces; however, many other workers are also at risk, particularly in cases where employers neglect to ensure good health and safety practices.
Despite the fact that many tinnitus treatments are available, many people who suffer from symptoms do so for life, meaning that claiming no win, no fee compensation may become an imperative.
To find out more about how we and our panel of leading personal injury solicitors may be able to help you, echat, complete an online claim form or call us, on 0800 10 757 95.
