Low-dose transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for tinnitus
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for Tinnitus - Effects of Multiple Treatment Sessions: a Randomised-controlled Pilot Study
NA · University of Nottingham · NCT06628414
This study will test whether low-dose transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can reduce how loud or distressing tinnitus is for adults with subjective tinnitus.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Nottingham (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Nottingham) |
| Trial ID | NCT06628414 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot study will apply low-dose tDCS to adults with subjective idiopathic tinnitus to identify the most effective stimulation regimens and the most sensitive outcome measures for future trials. Eligible participants who can safely undergo tDCS and provide informed consent in English will receive controlled stimulation sessions following predefined procedures, with randomisation and blinding used where feasible. The primary focus is on safety, tolerability, and detecting a signal of clinical benefit rather than providing definitive proof of efficacy. The work is conducted at the University of Nottingham and is intended to guide a larger, definitive randomised trial.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18 or over with subjective idiopathic tinnitus who can consent in English and are medically eligible for tDCS are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with objective tinnitus, those under 18, individuals unable to safely undergo tDCS, or those who cannot provide informed consent in English are unlikely to benefit or be eligible for this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce tinnitus loudness or distress and improve daily functioning for some patients.
How similar studies have performed: Several small previous studies of tDCS for tinnitus have reported some benefit, but the evidence is limited and inconsistent, so larger pilot work is needed.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 18 or over * Suffering from subjective idiopathic tinnitus * Sufficient understanding of English to be able to provide informed consent * Able to safely undergo tDCS Exclusion Criteria: * Aged under 18 * Not suffering from tinnitus or suffering from objective tinnitus * Insufficient understanding of English to be able to provide informed consent * Unable to safely undergo tDCS as assessed by tDCS Safety Questionnaire * Having taken part in a research study in the last 3 months involving invasive procedures or an inconvenience allowance
Where this trial is running
Nottingham
- University of Nottingham — Nottingham, United Kingdom (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Magdalena Sereda, PhD — University of Nottingham
- Study coordinator: Magdalena Sereda, PhD
- Email: magdalena.sereda@nottingham.ac.uk
- Phone: 00441158232625
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.
Conditions: Tinnitus, tinnitus, brain stimulation, neuromodulation, transcranial direct current stimulation