In this project, Professor Peter McNaughton at the University of Nottingham tests if it is possible to lessen or even silence tinnitus, by blocking the activity of an ion channel associated with chronic pain.
Project start date: March 2020
Project end date: April 2024
About the project
Approximately 10-15% of the population suffers from chronic tinnitus, for which there is no treatment. Scientists believe that tinnitus is associated with changes to the auditory system, which cause increased activity in the hearing brain and the perception of phantom sounds.
Meanwhile, neuropathic pain is a type of chronic pain where patients experience shooting or burning pains without there being an external reason for the pain. As with tinnitus, it appears to be a result of increased activity in the nervous system, causing continuous activation of pain-sensitive nerve fibres.
Several studies have shown that there are similarities between the biological processes involved in chronic pain and tinnitus. In this project, researchers will look closely at these similarities, and explore whether approaches to treating chronic pain may also help to treat tinnitus.
How it works
Professor Peter McNaughton’s team identified an ion channel, called HCN2, responsible for driving many or even all types of chronic pain. Ion channels are proteins that span the surface membrane of cells and allow electrically charged particles (ions) to pass in and out of cells. Entry of positively charged ions into the nerve cell interior triggers electrical activity, which travels up to the brain where it is perceived as pain. Blocking HCN2 channels with selective drugs reduces pain in animal models of chronic pain.
HCN2 channels are also found in the nerve fibres of the auditory system. These fibres are often damaged after exposure to loud noise, which can lead to tinnitus. Based on the similarities in the biological processes associated with chronic pain and tinnitus, the researchers will test different drugs that can selectively block HCN2 channels, to see if they effectively reduce tinnitus in animal models.
How will this research benefit people with tinnitus?
It is vital that we discover more processes and molecules that cause tinnitus so they can be targeted with drugs to silence tinnitus. This project is looking at a new approach to treating tinnitus, and could ultimately lead to the development of new, effective treatments.
About the researcher
Thanks to RNID funding, we have been able to investigate the idea that tinnitus may have its origin in excess activity in the nerves of the inner ear. There is still a long way to go before treatments could reach human patients, but this is a very promising start.”
