A new device to improve the diagnosis of Pulsatile Tinnitus
Official title: Phonocath - An endovascular medical device to objectively evaluate Pulsatile Tinnitus
Funded at Vdf Industries INC · NIH-11070171 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new device called Phonocath that aims to make it easier and more comfortable for people with Pulsatile Tinnitus to get diagnosed, helping doctors find out what's causing the sounds you hear that match your heartbeat.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vdf Industries INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Burlingame, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $305,197 |
| NIH project number | 1R41DC022504-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11070171 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing Pulsatile Tinnitus, particularly those who have found current diagnostic methods to be uncomfortable or ineffective.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience Pulsatile Tinnitus or have other unrelated auditory conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project focuses on developing Phonocath, an innovative endovascular medical device aimed at enhancing the diagnosis of Pulsatile Tinnitus (PT), a condition where patients hear sounds that sync with their heartbeat. Current diagnostic methods are invasive and uncomfortable, often requiring lengthy procedures that can cause significant distress. The Phonocath device is designed to be a single-use, highly navigable tool that can objectively assess PT, potentially leading to quicker and more accurate diagnoses. By integrating advanced microsensor technology, the device aims to localize the source of PT more effectively, improving patient comfort and outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a less invasive and more accurate method for diagnosing Pulsatile Tinnitus, leading to better treatment options and improved quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using a novel endovascular device for diagnosing PT is innovative, similar advancements in diagnostic technology have shown promise in other medical fields.
Where this research is happening
-
Vdf Industries INC
Burlingame, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Amans, Matthew — Vdf Industries INC
- Study coordinator: Amans, Matthew
Related research
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Diagnosing and treating tinnitus linked to head, neck, or jaw problems
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.