Transcranial stimulation for sudden deafness with tinnitus

The Study on Effect and Neural Network Mechanism of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Sudden Deafness With Tinnitus

Not applicable Interventional Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University · NCT05964725

This study is testing whether a type of brain stimulation can help people with sudden deafness and tinnitus feel better and improve their hearing.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment86 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorSun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Guangzhou, Guangdong)
Trial IDNCT05964725 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical study investigates the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on patients suffering from sudden deafness accompanied by tinnitus. It is a prospective, single-center, randomized, controlled, double-blind trial involving 86 participants who will receive either tDCS or sham stimulation alongside traditional medical therapy. The study aims to evaluate the efficacy of tDCS in improving tinnitus symptoms and hearing recovery over a treatment period of 5 days, with follow-up assessments at 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment. Various subjective scales will be used to measure changes in tinnitus severity and related symptoms.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-60 with sudden deafness and tinnitus lasting less than one month who have not received prior drug treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with conductive deafness, history of middle ear surgery, or those with tinnitus caused by specific conditions like Meniere disease may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a novel non-invasive option for patients suffering from sudden deafness and tinnitus.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of tDCS in treating tinnitus is an emerging area, similar studies have shown promising results, suggesting potential efficacy.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with tinnitus as the main complaint: patients subjectively feel sound in the ear or deep part of the head without internal or external sound stimulation, with or without hearing loss, and seek medical treatment
* Patients with sudden deafness with tinnitus whose course is less than 1 month and have not received any drug treatment
* Age 18-60 years
* Tinnitus frequency is 125-8000 Hz

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with conductive deafness, history of middle ear surgery, pulsatile tinnitus caused by vascular aberration and tinnitus cause by Meniere disease
* History of head trauma, central nervous system disease, mental disease, and drug abuse

Where this trial is running

Guangzhou, Guangdong

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 Tinnitus, SubjectiveSudden DeafnessTranscranial Direct Current StimulationDouble-Blind MethodFemaleMaleHumanTreatment Outcome
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.