In a remarkable leap forward for auditory healthcare, researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) have introduced an innovative and affordable portable device for diagnosing and managing tinnitus, a condition that affects over 740 million people globally, according to a 2022 JAMA Neurology study.
The device, paired with an Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled software application, offers precise tinnitus diagnosis, multimodal management, and disease progression tracking. The clinical trials demonstrated significant symptom improvement, providing a personalized treatment experience for patients.
“This technology empowers clinicians and offers patients an individualized path to better auditory health,” remarked Dr. Milind Kirtane, one of the collaborating medical experts.
Developed by a multidisciplinary team of IIT-B researchers and medical professionals from Hinduja Hospital, the project has been supported by the Tata Centre for Technology and Design (TCTD) and Wadhwani Research Centre for Bioengineering (WRCB). The technology is now being commercialized through a start-up, aiming to expand clinical trials and secure regulatory approvals.
The team’s groundbreaking work has been featured in the International Journal of Clinical Skills and promises to make advanced tinnitus care accessible and affordable for millions.
