Researchers at Mass General Brigham have identified novel facial and eye biomarkers that could unlock a path to testing treatments for tinnitus, a condition characterized by ringing in the ears. The study found that these biomarkers reflect the nervous system’s “fight, flight, or freeze” response, which can be measured by filming patients while listening to unpleasant sounds.
The discovery is significant as it provides a non-invasive method to assess tinnitus severity and potentially personalized treatment options. The researchers used advanced imaging techniques to analyze facial and eye expressions in response to sound stimuli, revealing unique biomarkers that correlate with tinnitus severity.
Led by Polley, the research team includes additional authors from Mass Eye and Ear’s Eaton-Peabody Laboratories. The study was funded by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders and other grants. The findings have been published in Science Translational Medicine and offer new hope for tinnitus treatment.
Source: https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/press-releases/new-tinnitus-facial-eye-biomarkers-could-unlock-testing-treatments