July 19, 2014

Ear Injection of AM-101 May Stop Tinnitus

Phantom ringing of the ears also known as tinnitus is an extremely frustrating condition that afflicts many people. Often triggered by hearing nerve damage, there's no good treatment to fix this condition once it sets in.

Until possibly now... 

AM-101 made by Auris Medical is an experimental drug containing esketamine hydrochloride embedded within a hyaluronic acid gel formulation. It works by blocking the NMDA receptors of the cochlear inner hair cell.

Normally, when there is trauma sustained by the cochlea whether it be loud noise or viral infection, excess amount of a neurotransmitter called glutamate gets release. The problem is that too much glutamate also triggers hearing nerve death due to over-excitation via the NMDA receptor. When these hearing nerves die, it leaves the brain cells responsible for hearing in a permanently switch-on state leading to tinnitus, even if there's no sound present.

AM-101 is hypothesized to block the NMDA receptor from being over-stimulated by the glutamate neurotransmitter thereby preventing hearing nerve death.

But, does it work?

According to one small prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study involving 248 patients, it DOES work to a significant degree.  42% reported their tinnitus was half as quiet as before compared with 14% in the placebo group. After 90 days, 57% of those taking the active gel said their tinnitus was 'much improved' or 'very much improved'.

Of course, the trick is to administer the drug before nerve death has set in after which it would be too late. In the study, only patients with onset of ringing within 3 months were eligible to participate.

Patient also need to realize that the drug is administered by injection through the eardrum and into the middle ear space. This injection technique is commonly used in the treatment of sudden nerve hearing loss where steroids are injected. Watch video of this injection method below.

Unfortunately, AM-101 is not available except under research protocols currently and is undergoing FDA clinical trials. The preliminary results are very promising however.

Reference:
Efficacy and Safety of AM-101 in the Treatment of Acute Inner Ear Tinnitus—A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Phase II Study. Otology & Neurotology: April 2014 - Volume 35 - Issue 4 - p 589-597


Fauquier blog
Fauquier ENT

Dr. Christopher Chang is a private practice otolaryngology, head & neck surgeon specializing in the treatment of problems related to the ear, nose, and throat. Located in Warrenton, VA about 45 minutes west of Washington DC, he also provides inhalant allergy testing/treatment, hearing tests, and dispenses hearing aids.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

TESTIMONY OF MY BROTHER ANDREW TO TINNITUS SUFFERER: I had suffered tinnitus for over 30 years and tried every technique you can think of. When I reached the age of 63, the tinnitus worsened dramatically. It had been pretty awful for 30 years but I had periods when I would not be bothered by it for several hours. It is so loud that my head is splitting constantly. According to the experts, it is common for tinnitus to worsen between the ages of 65 and 75. It makes life unbearable. It was an endless piercing hiss and screech and reduces me to tears daily. I no longer sleep. I could not bear to just lie in bed with nothing to do but listen to the noise. I cat-nap while seated, due to lack of sleep, I nod off. What could be more stress-inducing than someone screaming in your ears 24 hours a day and knowing that it will never stop until you die? relaxation was impossible. drugs have no effect. the weather is marvellous, my garden is a delight, full of the colourful blooms I have planted. I could please myself with what I do. And yet the noise is so loud I was beyond my wit's end. I would trade death for an end to those daily torture. I was never be happy. Going on holiday was pointless. Nothing gave the slightest relief. God uses Dr.William Herbal Product to change my story, Tinnitus is gone, cure is real. I urge all people suffering from this seemingly misunderstood condition to please refrain from ending your life. And contact Dr.William for solution (drwilly37@gmail.com)


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