Treatment of Tinnitus With Noninvasive Neuromodulation and Listening Therapy: A Double-blind, Sham-controlled, Crossover Study
University of Arizona
Summary
The goal of this study is to use non-invasive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with active listening therapy to treat tinnitus and hyperacusis and related conditions.
Description
Tinnitus is characterized by the subjective perception of sound in the ears or in the brain without external stimulus. In about 30-50% of patients, tinnitus co-occurs with hyperacusis, which is abnormal sensitivity to sounds even at low levels. Chronic tinnitus and hyperacusis can be devastating since a significant proportion of sufferers develop sleep disturbances, psychiatric conditions, and a small fraction commit suicide. Tinnitus is often accompanied by difficulty concentrating and impairment on tasks that require sustained attention and executive control. Currently there is no satisfacto…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–80 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * chronic tinnitus and or hyperacusis (\> 8 months) * adults (18-80 years old) Exclusion Criteria: * implanted metal or devices including cochlear implants, * bullet wounds, head/neck tattoo, * metal in the eyes, * other diagnosed neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's, dementia, brain tumors), * head trauma or brain surgery, psychiatric disorders, * personal or family history of epilepsy, other seizure disorders * Individuals with a history of Meniere's Disease, pulsatile tinnitus, otosclerosis, and * chronic headaches. * conductive hearing loss, or * fluctua…
Interventions
- DeviceTranscranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)
TDCS is a procedure that sends weak electrical currents between points on the scalp. Some of this current flows through the brain, and may induce temporary changes in brain activity lasting 30-60 minutes beyond the time of stimulation. TDCS is believed to be very low risk. TDCS has been applied in more than 4900 studies and hundreds of people to treat various neurological and psychiatric conditions, including depression, epilepsy, chronic pain and Parkinson's. In this study we will use tDCS to suppress symptom of tinnitus and hyperacusis.
- DeviceSham TDCS
Sham control will be administered to the same area as active TDCS
Location
- University of ArizonaTucson, Arizona