Understanding the effects of tinnitus on cognitive and emotional functioning in patients with epilepsy

Cognitive and Emotional Function and Brain Reorganisation Associated to Auditory Abilities : Impact of Tinnitus

Not applicable Interventional Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris · NCT04717388

This study is trying to see how tinnitus affects thinking and emotions in people with epilepsy who have had surgery, by comparing those with tinnitus to those without.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAssistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Paris and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04717388 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the relationship between tinnitus and cognitive, emotional, and psychoacoustic functioning in patients who have undergone surgery for drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy. It aims to clarify the pathophysiology of tinnitus by comparing individuals with tinnitus to matched tinnitus-free groups. The methodology includes acoustic tests, questionnaires, and MRI assessments to gather comprehensive data on the impact of tinnitus. The research seeks to fill gaps in knowledge regarding the neurobiological and psychological aspects of tinnitus.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with chronic tinnitus or those who have undergone surgery for drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy.

Not a fit: Patients with severe or profound deafness or those with pre-existing neurological disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of tinnitus, enhancing the quality of life for affected patients.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research into tinnitus, this study presents a novel approach by focusing on the specific population of surgical epilepsy patients and their unique vulnerabilities to tinnitus.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Common Criteria for Inclusion :

* Age ≥ 18 years old
* Good written and oral comprehension of the French language
* Person affiliated to a Social Security scheme
* Informed consent signed by the participant
* Normal or corrected vision
* Absence of known pre-existing neurological and/or degenerative disorders

Group Specific Inclusion Criteria :

Tinnitus+ Group - Suffering from subjective uni- or bilateral tinnitus, chronic (\>3 months) and stable (no period of remission).

Chir+ Group

\- Surgically treated for drug-resistant epilepsy of the temporal lobe (including the amygdala).

Group Tinnitus-

* Not suffering from tinnitus Group Chir-
* Non epileptic
* Not having undergone surgical treatment of the temporal lobe (including the tonsil)

Exclusion criteria:

* Presence of severe or profound deafness, uni or bilateral.
* Under legal protection (guardianship, curators, etc.)

Additional criteria for patients completing visit V2 :

* MRI contraindicated or claustrophobic
* Pregnant or breastfeeding woman.

Where this trial is running

Paris and 1 other locations

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 TinnitusEpilepsy, Temporal LobeEpilepsyCognitive FunctioningBrain connectivity
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.