“Recent Study Finds Mechanism That Causes Tinnitus and Drug That can Prevent it” Asons Solicitors Comment
Bolton, UK (PRWEB UK) 1 July 2013 -- According to the latest statistics made available by Action on Hearing Loss, there are more than 10 million people in the UK with some form of hearing loss, where 1 in 10 adults have tinnitus (1). Tinnitus is a medical condition which makes sufferers perceive a ringing noise in one or both ears and it is mainly caused by exposure to loud noise such as a noisy work environment.
The study, whose abstract is published in the online version of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveals for the first time the reason tinnitus occurs (2). Associate professor Thanos Tzounopoulos of the Pittsburgh School of Medicine said he and his team treated mice with a federally approved epilepsy drug while exposing them to loud noises. The treated mice did not develop tinnitus whilst half of the untreated mice did. (3)
Questioned about the findings, professor Tzounopoulos said:
“That was quite exciting and still is. It opens up a lot of interesting possibilities. Millions of people are disabled by tinnitus. They cannot work, they cannot sleep. It's a very important problem.” He added:
“We will work with researchers from the Pittsburgh School of Chemistry to develop a drug that specifically targets tinnitus. Human trials could start soon; such a medication could be a very helpful preventive strategy for those who work in situations where exposure to very loud noise is likely.” (3)
The researchers conducted experiments that exposed mice to a 116 decibel sound in one ear for 45 minutes, which eventually led to the development of tinnitus in fifty percent of exposed mice. They discovered that those treated with an epilepsy drug called retigabine immediately after being exposed to noise did not develop the condition. (4)
Commenting on the research, Mr John King, Business Development Manager at Asons Solicitors, said that:
“If further studies will confirm the findings, millions of people suffering from tinnitus will have for the first time an opportunity to overcome the illness. What will be interesting is whether victims will require treatment immediately after exposure, or whether delayed treatment will still be effective. Here at Asons we see a lot of tinnitus cases when dealing with individuals seeking hearing loss compensation. Often these are the result of poor working conditions, where an environment is extremely loud and employers fail to provide hearing protection.”
Those who have been experiencing tinnitus as a result of a noisy workplace should not hesitate to report their medical condition to their employer and visit their GP. Also, seeking specialist legal advice is crucial in order to prove any employer’s negligence to make Industrial Deafness Claims.
For further information on pursuing damages for noise induced hearing loss, visit Asons Solicitors at http://www.asons.co.uk, or contact them directly on: 01204 521 133
(1) Action on Hearing Loss - Statistics actiononhearingloss.org.uk/your-hearing/about-deafness-and-hearing-loss/statistics.aspx
(2) Li, Choi, Tzounopoulos – 28th May 2013 - Pathogenic plasticity of Kv7.2/3 channel activity is essential for the induction of tinnitus (abstract) http://www.pnas.org/content/110/24/9980.abstract?sid=bc7bd253-e24b-41a8-8cae-b635a3854f9f
(3) TribLIVE – 28th May 2013 - University of Pittsburgh researchers close to preventing tinnitus triblive.com/news/allegheny/4079173-74/tinnitus-tzounopoulos-mice#axzz2X8BBcDAm
(4) UPMC Life Changing Medicine upmc.com/media/NewsReleases/2013/Pages/pitt-team-finds-mechanism-causes-tinnitus.aspx
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About Asons Solicitors:
Asons Solicitors is a Bolton-based law practice that specialises in personal injury and industrial disease claims. Founded by brothers Imran Akram and Kamran Akram, Asons Solicitors has developed to become a young and dynamic law firm that delivers practical solutions to clients in times of difficulty. Their continued focus on their staff has seen them awarded with the Investors in People “Gold Award”; which is reflected in the professional and personable approach they take in working with clients. They strive to grow and to develop, and their supportiveness and attention to detail ensures that their clients use them time and again.
For further information contact:
Email: info(at)asons(dot)co(dot)uk
Website: http://www.asons.co.uk
Imran Akram, Asons Solicitors, http://www.asons.co.uk, 08448501062, [email protected]
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