Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for treating a hearing disorder associated with maladaptive neuroplasticity, reduction of inhibition, shift of excitation-to-inhibition balance, changes in central gain, and/or changes in neural sensitivity in a subject by inhibiting the function and/or production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-?) in the subject. The present disclosure provides methods of administering to the subject a TNF-? inhibitory agent in an amount effective to treat the subject for a hearing disorder associated with maladaptive neuroplasticity, reduction of inhibition, shift of excitation-to-inhibition balance, changes in central gain, and/or changes in neural sensitivity. TNF-? inhibitory agents of the subject disclosure include agents that inhibit the function TNF-?, inhibit the production of TNF-?, inhibit TNF-? signaling, inhibit TNF-? expression, or inhibit TNF-? signaling pathway genes in the subject.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides computer-implemented methods and systems for alleviating an abnormal behavior, such as a behavior associated with a fear, abnormal activity, or obsession. It has been found that behaviorally abnormal self-sustaining behaviors may be unlearned or diminished through directed forms of computer-implemented interaction. The computer-implemented interaction is generally directed to reduce the neurological representations of inputs and actions associated with the abnormal behavior. The interaction will typically comprise strategically and repeatedly presenting computer-implemented stimuli including context related to the abnormal behavior. The computer-implemented stimuli are then repeatedly presented and altered over time in a manner that alleviates the abnormal behavior. For example, the content of the computer-implemented stimuli may change to gradually vary in their ability to trigger an episode in the person.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides computer-implemented methods and systems for alleviating an abnormal behavior, such as a behavior associated with a fear, abnormal activity, or obsession. It has been found that behaviorally abnormal self-sustaining behaviors may be unlearned or diminished through directed forms of computer-implemented interaction. The computer-implemented interaction is generally directed to reduce the neurological representations of inputs and actions associated with the abnormal behavior. The interaction will typically comprise strategically and repeatedly presenting computer-implemented stimuli including context related to the abnormal behavior. The computer-implemented stimuli are then repeatedly presented and altered over time in a manner that alleviates the abnormal behavior. For example, the content of the computer-implemented stimuli may change to gradually vary in their ability to trigger an episode in the person.