“Intracochlear electrical stimulation to suppress tinnitus”

Supervisor:

• prof.dr. R.J. Stokroos

Co-supervisor:

• dr. E.L.J. George

Tinnitus (aurium), or ringing in the ears, is the continuous perception of a phantom sound. Tinnitus has an estimated prevalence of 8-15% in the general adult population, with 1-3% experiencing severe tinnitus. This disorder can have a major impact on daily life. Unfortunately, there is no cure and the incidence is expected to increase due to work and recreation-related noises.Previous studies suggest a causal relationship between cochlear implantation and tinnitus suppression. The aim of this dissertation was to gain more insight into the effects of intracochlear electrical stimulation for tinnitus. The feasibility studies in this dissertation appear to lay the foundation for the development of a tinnitus implant, which can considerably reduce symptoms.

Key words:
tinnitus, ringing of the ears, implant