Foot reflexology or ta-VNS for tinnitus in adults

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized, single-blind, sham-controlled study compares three approaches—foot reflexology, transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (ta-VNS), and auricular acupressure—against usual care in adults with tinnitus. Participants are assigned to true or sham subgroups for the reflexology and ta-VNS arms and are followed at baseline, week 2, week 4, and week 8 to measure changes in tinnitus severity, psychological distress, sleep quality, and autonomic indicators. The trial uses a parallel design with repeated measurements and analyzes data using generalized estimating equations. The setting is Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, with non-cancer adults who have tinnitus as their sole chief complaint and normal hearing thresholds. Outcomes will help determine if these non-pharmacologic interventions can provide meaningful relief for tinnitus-related symptoms.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18-75 years, conscious, able to communicate and comprehend, and able to complete questionnaires and comply with study procedures
* Tinnitus as the sole chief complaint, with pure-tone thresholds ≤25 dB HL bilaterally at 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz

Exclusion Criteria:

* Objective tinnitus, peripheral vestibular disease, central nervous or cardiovascular causes, or other organic ear pathology
* Open wounds or skin lesions of the foot or ear, lower-limb edema, history of deep vein thrombosis, or diabetes with most recent HbA1c \>7.5%
* Cardiac pacemaker or other implanted electronic device, or other severe cardiovascular disease
* Foot reflexology or vagus nerve stimulation within the past 3 months
* Pregnant or breastfeeding women
* History of epilepsy or seizures
* Physically frail condition

Where it's running

• Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Department of Otorhinolaryngology
  Hualien City, Taiwan Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Yu-Fu Chou MD
• Email: yufuchou@yahoo.com.tw
• Phone: 886-3-8561825

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Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.