Between 10 per cent and 15 per cent of the global population suffers from what is usually called ringing in the ears.
The condition can be a ringing or a roaring like water and is called tinnitus.
Some people with this condition have occasional symptoms, a mild noise maybe while watching television or when just lying down to sleep. Others have a constant ringing or roaring in their ears.
Affecting mostly seniors, tinnitus is an irritating matter. Taking part in a conversation with more than one person, trying to enjoy a musical concert or even listen to TV/radio becomes difficult.
A University of Minnesota professor performing two studies for a Dublin, Ireland medical company found relief for most people in the trials.
Two trials of the treatment have been successful in reducing tinnitus.
The second trial involving 191 participants saw 80 per cent of participants have reduced tinnitus after 12 weeks of treatment.
Eighty-eight per cent of participants would recommend the treatment to others with this condition.
The non-invasive treatment consists of a bimodal neuro-modular stimulation.
Electrical and audio stimulation is sent through sensors to the surface of the tongue for 60 minutes a day during treatment.
This is a significant breakthrough to treat this ear-splitting condition. Treatment likely won’t be available to physicians for some years.
Further trials and the process of allowing the treatment can take up to five years. Too bad.
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During travels in the last few years I've noticed that manholes in most cities and towns align with the pavement grade level.
Moose Jaw is an exception. So many manholes are either above pavement grade or below. I wonder why we can’t do our manholes the way other cities do?
Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
