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Dr Sedley: Why tinnitus research matters

Tinnitus research scientist Dr Will Sedley

Dr Will Sedley spends much of his time conducting research aimed at understanding the processes in the brain that are linked to tinnitus. This video with Dr Sedley explores the motivation behind his research.

My name’s Will Sedley. I’m a researcher at Newcastle University, particularly specialising in tinnitus and sound processing, and a consultant neurologist in the Newcastle Hospitals.

Tinnitus literally means ringing in the ears. But actually, it can be any persistent sound that does not have a physical sound source in the outside.

Normally, that’s a high-pitched tone, ringing, hissing, buzzing, and occasionally more complex sounds. A few people even get music.

We know that about 2% of the whole population have tinnitus that is constantly or regularly bothersome, intrusive, and getting in the way of many important things in life.

This can have an enormous impact on people. Currently, there are no widespread or established treatments to quieten or take away the tinnitus.

I think almost everybody living with tinnitus, even if they’re well-adjusted, would like to get rid of it, and that’s something we’re trying to eventually work towards.

While there are some signs for optimism, we’re nowhere near where we need to be in our full understanding of tinnitus or of the treatments that are needed.

It therefore remains so important to donate to RNID.

Dr Will Sedley working in his laboratory

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