A new device to improve the diagnosis of Pulsatile Tinnitus

Phonocath - An endovascular medical device to objectively evaluate Pulsatile Tinnitus

NIH-funded research Vdf Industries INC · NIH-11070171

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVdf Industries INC NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Burlingame, United States)
Project IDNIH-11070171 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing Pulsatile Tinnitus, particularly those who have found current diagnostic methods to be uncomfortable or ineffective.

Not a fit: Patients who do not experience Pulsatile Tinnitus or have other unrelated auditory conditions may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Burlingame, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.