Mr. John M. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about the therapies and pharmacological solutions available on the NHS to counter the effects of tinnitus; and if he will commission research on this subject. [136202]
§ Yvette CooperThere are a number of therapies available to treat tinnitus. While maskers are available, which emit sounds that counteract the tinnitus noises, treatment currently focuses on an cognitive approach to the problem such as relaxation techniques to reduce stress 375W levels, and listening to surf sound tapes to cover the tinnitus noises. Many patients manage their condition without medical intervention.
There is currently no pharmacological solution available to treat tinnitus.
The main agency through which we support medical and clinical research is the Medical Research Council (MRC). MRC always welcomes high-quality applications for support into any aspect of human health and these are judged in open competition with other demands on funding. Awards are made according to their scientific quality and importance to human health.
The Department currently has no plans to commission any research on tinnitus in relation to its Policy Research Programme and National Health Service research and development programmes.