Investigating the causes and risk factors of persistent tinnitus
Official title: A Multi-omics Investigation of Incident Persistent Tinnitus
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10892938 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for answers about what causes ongoing tinnitus, which affects more than 50 million people in the U.S., by examining biological and genetic factors in a large group of participants, with the hope of finding better treatments and ways to prevent it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 16, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $223,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DC020777-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10892938 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing persistent tinnitus or those at risk of developing it, particularly women and younger, diverse populations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience tinnitus or have no risk factors for developing the condition may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to understand the underlying causes of persistent tinnitus, a condition affecting over 50 million Americans. By analyzing biological markers and genetic factors in large groups of individuals, the study seeks to identify risk factors that contribute to the development of tinnitus. Participants will be involved in collecting data that may reveal how environmental exposures and genetic predispositions influence tinnitus. The ultimate goal is to improve treatment options and preventative strategies for those suffering from this debilitating condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better management and treatment options for individuals suffering from persistent tinnitus.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in identifying risk factors for tinnitus, but this multi-omics approach is relatively novel and aims to expand the understanding of the condition significantly.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zeleznik, Oana Alina — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Zeleznik, Oana Alina
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how stress and arousal relate to tinnitus using eye and skin signals
Researchers will test whether easy-to-measure signals like pupil size and skin conductance can reflect how distressing tinnitus feels in adults, especially Veterans.
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Understanding why age-related hearing loss and tinnitus happen in diverse groups
A study aims to find genetic reasons behind age-related hearing loss and tinnitus in African ancestry and Latino populations.
-
Subjective and Somatic Tinnitus: Finding Objective Brain Signals with a Special fNIRS Scan
This grant tests a brain-imaging approach to identify objective brain signals in people with tinnitus, including those whose phantom sounds change with jaw or head movements.
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Hormones, gut bacteria, and blood markers linked to tinnitus in women
This study looks at how hormones, gut microbes, and metabolic signals relate to the start and possible remission of tinnitus in women.
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Understanding age-related hearing loss and tinnitus in diverse communities
This project looks for genetic changes linked to age-related hearing loss and ringing in the ears using large whole-genome datasets, focusing especially on people of African and Latino backgrounds.
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Diagnosing and treating tinnitus linked to head, neck, or jaw problems
This project develops a screening test and a physical-therapy treatment for people—especially Veterans—whose tinnitus changes with head, neck, jaw, or eye movements.
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.