Studies in Germany have demonstrated that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may help relieve tinnitus.  TMS is an electromagnetic device that is capable of altering the electrical currents in the brain painlessly.

The TMS method was developed by Anthony Barker of England in 1985.  By using electrical magnets hooked up to computers, he was able to map the pathways of nerve impulses in the brain and spinal cord on participants in his study.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation can be used to change the course of nerve activity in the brain.  It is safe for most people.  However, seizures have been reported in patients with a previous history of strokes.  Seizures can occur in such patients with only one treatment session with TMS.  They may also occur in otherwise healthy individuals if the frequency or intensity of the electromagnets are too high.

The application of transcranial magnetic stimulation may incorporate the use of a single electrical pulse or with repetitive pulses, also known as rTMS.  Pain may occur on the surface of the skin and the muscles directly underneath as a result of stimulation by rTMS.  Burns to the area of stimulation by rTMS have also been reported.

Researchers at the University of Regensberg in Germany have been conducting studies utilizing TMS on patients suffering from tinnitus.  They agree that the noises created by the brain in people with tinnitus are the result of dysfunctional nerve pathways.  The theory is that TMS can calm down the hyperactive nerve cells responsible for tinnitus.

Ongoing studies at the University of Regensberg have found that the application of a low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has successfully reduced the incidence of tinnitus in patients.  Since only a few people have been involved in these studies, more research needs to be done to find out how this would impact victims of tinnitus.