Using machine learning to predict acupuncture's effectiveness for tinnitus

Application of Machine Learning Based on fNIRS in Predicting Acupuncture's Efficacy in Treating Tinnitus

Not applicable Interventional The Third Affiliated hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University · NCT06364670

This study is testing whether machine learning can help predict how well acupuncture works for people with tinnitus by looking at their brain activity during treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment500 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe Third Affiliated hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hangzhou, Zhejiang)
Trial IDNCT06364670 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial aims to recruit 500 subjects with tinnitus to analyze their brain activity using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Participants will receive acupuncture treatment, and their recovery will be assessed to categorize them into groups based on prognosis. The study will utilize machine learning to develop a predictive model based on the fNIRS data collected. This approach seeks to enhance understanding of acupuncture's efficacy in treating tinnitus.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are right-handed individuals aged 18 to 60 with chronic subjective tinnitus.

Not a fit: Patients with objective tinnitus or significant neurological or psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a personalized approach to acupuncture treatment for tinnitus, improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of machine learning in acupuncture efficacy prediction is relatively novel, similar studies in other areas have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Bilateral tinnitus that meets the diagnostic criteria for chronic subjective tinnitus.
* Male and female, aged between 18 and 60 years.
* Right-handed subjects who are able to comply with the study protocol and sign written informed consent.
* Not participating in other clinical trials concurrently.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participants with objective tinnitus.
* Participants have nervous system diseases or neuropsychiatric diseases that can significantly affect brain blood oxygen metabolism assessed by fNIRS.
* Participants with severe cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, malignant liver and kidney diseases, and other serious diseases.
* Participants have any contraindications for acupuncture (such as a bleeding tendency).
* Pregnant or lactating women.
* Participants have received tinnitus treatment with drugs or other therapies in the last four weeks.

Where this trial is running

Hangzhou, Zhejiang

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 TinnitusacupuncturemoxibustiontinnitusfNIRSmachine learning
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.