Exploring the relationship between ear pressure and pulsatile tinnitus

Study of Multifrequential Impedancemetry in Pulsatile Tinnitus

Observational University Hospital, Bordeaux · NCT06290999

This study is trying to see if measuring ear pressure can help us understand the causes of pulsatile tinnitus in patients who hear rhythmic sounds in their ears.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Bordeaux Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bordeaux)
Trial IDNCT06290999 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the connection between multifrequency admittancemetry and pulsatile tinnitus, a condition characterized by hearing a rhythmic sound in the ears. The study will assess parameters of the middle and inner ear, particularly focusing on perilymph pressure, to better understand the physiopathology of pulsatile tinnitus, especially those of venous origin. Patients with pulsatile tinnitus who visit the Ear, Nose, and Throat unit at Bordeaux University Hospital will undergo multifrequential admittancemetry, with additional assessments for those scheduled for surgical intervention related to venous stenosis.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults with unilateral or bilateral pulsatile tinnitus lasting more than one month.

Not a fit: Patients with non-pulsatile tinnitus or significant middle ear abnormalities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the understanding of pulsatile tinnitus and lead to improved diagnostic and treatment strategies.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using multifrequency admittancemetry is established, the specific application to pulsatile tinnitus is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult patient
* Unilateral or bilateral pulsatile tinnitus
* Pulsatile tinnitus \> 1 month old
* Affiliated or beneficiary of by social security system

Exclusion Criteria:

* Otological surgery, excluding trans-tympanic aerators in childhood with closed eardrum
* Middle ear abnormality (any type of partial or total filling of the middle ear) noted on otoscopy or subsequent MRI scan
* Abnormal eardrums excluding tympanosclerosis
* Non-pulsatile tinnitus
* Conductive hearing loss with abolition of stapedial reflexes
* Minor patient
* Major protected
* Abnormal tympanometry at 226 Hz
* Presence of rotatory vertigo
* Opposition to participation expressed by patient

Where this trial is running

Bordeaux

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Pulsatile Tinnitusmultifrequency admittancemetry
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.