https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/10/electric-shocks-tongue-can-quiet-chronic-ringing-ears
The Ringing Ear Cure?! Tyler Ainsworth
In this article, I was intrigued to learn about this therapy or treatment for something called Tinnitus which is a ringing or buzzing in the ear that affects about 15 % of the population.
With this therapy it combines a sound therapy treatment( the sound therapy goes through aton of different tones and noises) with a small rod like electrode rod that gives the tongue tiny shocks, this was found and used after it was tested on guinea pigs and scientists and doctors saw great results back from these and is now seeking human trials with lots of success. Over 80 % of patients after a 12 week period treated with this therapy found great improvements in hearing and less ringing/buzzing. So far this has been the best therapy when it comes to treating tinnitus thanks to this.
Could we use similar technology for other conditions?
Why would the tongue be a good spot for this?
What does electricity do with our brains?
https://www.sciencemag.org/sites/default/files/styles/article_main_image_-_1280w__no_aspect_/public/Patient-User-3_1280p.jpg?itok=z4BqmhLn
Thank you for sharing, this is a very interesting topic! Electricity plays a role in our brains, because our brains consist of neurons, which generate electricity due to the flow of ions, this creates an electrical potential. The tongue must be a good spot for this because the neurons have some connection to those that signal hearing.
ReplyDeleteCarissa Bersche
Nice presentation, I wonder if the actual therapy hurts from the shocks. The tongue would be the best place because its close to the brain and is a muscular organ. It most likely has a strong nerve connection. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteTrinity Mathis
I think the tongue would be a good spot because of how its close to our ears and how many sensors their are on our tongues, I think the sensors may help go to our ears
ReplyDelete-Angeline U
DeleteOur mouth is a big cavity in our face, and our tongue has a lot of sensors so I think that's why it's the ideal. I think that in our brain neurons use electricity to communicate with each other.
ReplyDeleteThe brain is a composition of structures that communicate with each other and the body through electrical impulses so using electricity for this issue is the ideal option.
ReplyDelete-Shirin Saha
our heads and especially our mouths have a lot of nerve endings due to cephalization so i think this is why its the ideal spot for this type of treatment, i don't know what other conditions could be treated with this method but it is very interesting! as for why the tongue, all i can think is that certain parts of the mouth are linked to the ear, like if you get a tickle in your mouth or swallow you can feel it in your ear. - Nathan Clark
ReplyDeleteI would think that the tongue was used because its so close to the ears and brain as well has a lot of nerves. A question I have is how long is treatment and is there any pain involved?
ReplyDelete-Raquel Morgens
Electricity can help the brain with treating mood disorders and stress. It can also help people to slove problems and memorize informationand pay better attention.
ReplyDelete