Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
Sven Vanneste is a Professor of Clinical Neuroscience at Trinity College Dublin.
The focus of his work is to better understand the similarities and differences in perception within groups of people including, but not limited to those with chronic tinnitus, chronic pain, and other conditions such as depression, anxiety, and memory loss.
More about Sven’s work
Due to the absence of an external physical source of the problem in both tinnitus and chronic pain, they are often referred to as “phantom perception”, even though they are very real experiences. The overall objectives of Sven’s research are to advance our knowledge of how the human brain works; and use this knowledge to develop new clinical applications, such as diagnostic methods and treatments.
Re-training the tinnitus brain
Read about Sven’s research projectSven’s approaches to hearing research
One of the most exciting breakthroughs in hearing research over the past decade is the advancement in gene therapy for hearing restoration. Researchers have been able to identify and manipulate specific genes responsible for hearing loss, particularly in cases of genetic hearing disorders.
By delivering modified genes directly to the cells in the inner ear, scientists are now making strides in restoring hearing function in previously untreatable cases. Various trials have focused on refining these techniques for human application, bringing the potential for human therapies closer to reality.
Other significant advances include advances in cochlear implant technology, such as using light to stimulate the auditory nerve. This could lead to a new era of implants that could provide users with a higher-quality and more natural hearing experience.
The next big step forward in hearing research is likely to be personalized, regenerative treatments that can fully restore natural hearing. As scientists gain a deeper understanding of the genetic and molecular basis of hearing loss, it becomes increasingly possible to develop therapies that could regenerate or repair damaged cells in the ear.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is already enhancing hearing aid technology by improving sound processing in complex environments, but the next leap will likely involve devices that adapt in real-time to users’ needs and auditory environments. AI-powered hearing aids and implants could provide personalized sound experiences, adjusting automatically based on context, and perhaps even anticipating needs based on behaviour patterns.
Beyond the ear, researchers are exploring ways to improve how the brain interprets sound. This could lead to novel treatments to help people with “hidden hearing loss,” where sound signals are detected by the ear but not properly processed by the brain, leading to challenges in noisy environments.
Neuromodulation (using technology that acts directly on the nervous system to change the way your nerves carry information to and from the brain) that stimulates the hearing parts of the brain, such as the auditory cortex, may provide a new treatment option for people that live with tinnitus.
What drives me to support efforts to improve the lives of people with hearing loss or tinnitus is a deep belief in the power of communication and connection.
Hearing is such a fundamental part of how we experience the world, interact with others, and engage in life. When people lose that ability, they face a range of challenges—not just in communication, but in social inclusion, employment opportunities, and even mental health.
For people with tinnitus, a condition that can be overwhelming and isolating, I’m inspired by the possibility of making life quieter and more peaceful.
Tinnitus often feels invisible to others, yet it can have a significant impact on daily life, sleep, and emotional well-being. The drive to help people find relief from this constant noise pushes me to keep learning about new research and treatments.
I hope that my research will lead to transformative, practical solutions that improve the quality of life for people who experience tinnitus. My vision is to contribute to breakthroughs that make tinnitus relief accessible, effective, and tailored to each individual’s needs.
By focusing on the underlying causes and exploring innovative treatments, I hope my work can pave the way for new therapies that can be integrated into everyday life.