Daily low-frequency brain stimulation for chronic tinnitus relief
Effectiveness of Daily Bitemporal Low-frequency Transcranial Random Noise Stimulation in Patients With Chronic Tinnitus
This study is testing if daily low-frequency brain stimulation can help people with chronic tinnitus feel better by reducing the sounds they hear that aren't there.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Regensburg Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Regensburg) |
| Trial ID | NCT02615600 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of daily low-frequency transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) on patients suffering from chronic tinnitus. By applying stimulation to both the left and right auditory cortex, the study aims to modulate the neural pathways associated with tinnitus, which is characterized by the perception of sound without an external source. The trial will assess the feasibility, safety, and clinical efficacy of this non-invasive treatment over a two-week period. The approach is based on the premise that tRNS can help address the hyperactivity and hyper-synchronization in the auditory pathways that contribute to tinnitus.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals diagnosed with bothersome, subjective chronic tinnitus lasting more than six months.
Not a fit: Patients with objective tinnitus, significant psychiatric or neurological comorbidities, or those currently undergoing other tinnitus treatments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide significant relief for patients suffering from chronic tinnitus, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that non-invasive brain stimulation methods can be effective in treating chronic tinnitus, suggesting that this approach may yield promising results.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: * diagnosis of bothersome, subjective chronic tinnitus * diagnosis: duration of tinnitus more than 6 months Exclusion criteria: * objective tinnitus * irregular head shap below the electrodes * eczema on the head * treatable cause of the tinnitus * involvement in other treatments for tinnitus at the same time * clinically relevant psychiatric comorbidity * clinically relevant unstable internal or neurological comorbidity * history of or evidence of significant brain malformation or neoplasm, head injury * cerebral vascular events * neurodegenerative disorder affecting the brain or prior brain surgery * metal objects in and around body that can not be removed * pregnancy * alcohol or drug abuse
Where this trial is running
Regensburg
- University of Regensburg - Deptartment of Psychiatry — Regensburg, Germany (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Berthold Langguth — University of Regensburg
- Study coordinator: Berthold Langguth
- Email: berthold.langguth@medbo.de
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.