Understanding different types of tinnitus using brain imaging techniques
Subtyping tinnitus based on fMRI dynamic functional connectivity
This study is looking at tinnitus, the ringing or noise in your ears that can come with hearing and mental health challenges, to better understand the different ways it affects people by using brain scans, which could help improve how we diagnose and treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11031484 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates tinnitus, a condition where individuals perceive ringing or noise without external sound, often accompanied by hearing and mental health issues. By using advanced brain imaging techniques, the study aims to identify distinct subtypes of tinnitus based on how different brain regions connect and communicate. The project will analyze brain connectivity patterns over time to improve diagnosis and treatment predictions for individuals suffering from tinnitus. This approach seeks to address the variability in tinnitus experiences and responses to treatment, which has been a challenge in current clinical practice.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing subjective tinnitus, particularly those with varying symptoms and treatment responses.
Not a fit: Patients without tinnitus or those whose symptoms are not well-defined may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment options for patients with tinnitus.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using neuroimaging to understand tinnitus, but this approach aims to refine and expand upon those findings with a focus on subtyping.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hakonen, Maria — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Hakonen, Maria
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 below.