Exploring treatments for somatosensory tinnitus
Developing Tools and a Care Path for Somatosensory Tinnitus
This study is testing different treatments, including physical therapy and sound therapy, to see which one helps people with somatosensory tinnitus, a type of ringing in the ears that changes with head and neck movements.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 72 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Portland, Oregon) |
| Trial ID | NCT05434637 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to investigate somatosensory tinnitus, a type of tinnitus that changes with head and neck movements. It will develop a screening tool for this condition and conduct a randomized clinical trial to compare the effectiveness of individualized physical therapy, sound-based therapy, and a combination of both. The goal is to determine which approach is most beneficial for patients suffering from this specific type of tinnitus.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with chronic, bothersome tinnitus that can be modulated by head, neck, or jaw movements.
Not a fit: Patients with middle ear pathology or recent injuries to the temporomandibular area may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide effective treatment options for patients suffering from somatosensory tinnitus.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on somatosensory tinnitus, similar approaches in treating tinnitus have shown promise in other studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Constant, chronic tinnitus (6-months in duration) * bothersome tinnitus based on TFI score and self-reported loudness * able to modulate tinnitus perception with head, neck, and/or jaw maneuvers Exclusion Criteria: * Middle ear pathology * not a candidate for physical therapy * injury to the temporomandibular area in past 3 months * active pathology in the orofacial region
Where this trial is running
Portland, Oregon
- VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR — Portland, Oregon, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sarah Theodoroff, PhD — VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR
- Study coordinator: Sarah Theodoroff, PhD
- Email: Sarah.Theodoroff@va.gov
- Phone: (503) 220-8262
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.