A group of colleagues from the BISITE Research Group has developed a device which allows to monitor the progress of tinnitus from the patients’ homes. This condition is associated with a noise or ringing in the ears which may be caused by a damaged auditory nerve or ear injury. Although we do not have the cure yet, we provide the patients with an alternative which will allow them to do self-evaluations and their own follow-up.

 Tinnitus can occur temporarily due to exposure to loud noises for prolonged periods of time. However, those that suffer from this phenomenon constantly can experience different levels of discomfort. 

Researchers have been working on this issue in order to make the lives of tinnitus patients easier in certain aspects. They have also helped provide specialists with concrete data about the frequency and intensity of noise. These tests are often complex as otolaryngologists must use several devices to obtain results. However, the developed device reduces complexity, as explained by our colleague Fernando de la Prieta: “We have managed to develop the same type of tests, but they can be performed independently by the patient, in their own home. The test results are sent to the doctor daily so they will have much more information available.”

The newly developed device will not only be more economical but will also allow the health sector to be more efficient. It will be designed with an integrated plate at an estimated price of between 40 and 50 euros. The device works with an app which also makes it more attractive to the user. The device will be connected through a USB cable; this is a more practical solution than the use of batteries or other type of connection.

The project arose from our collaboration with the University of L’Aquila (Italy). In the later phases of the project, we will work with Salamanca’s La Alamedilla Health Centre to perform tests on Spanish and Italian patients.

Like many others, this development makes clear our group’s commitment to finding technological solutions that contribute to the quality of life of people suffering from different conditions and to benefiting the society as a whole.