Transcranial alternating current stimulation of the auditory system in patients with tinnitus and healthy controls

Transcranial alternating current stimulation of the auditory system in patients with tinnitus and healthy controls - tearACS

Status

Active, not recruiting

Phases

Phase 2

Study type

Interventional

Source

DRKS

Registry ID

DRKS00033120

Enrollment

Registered

2024-03-26

Start date

2025-02-12

Completion date

Unknown

Last updated

2025-10-06

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

H93.1 H91

Interventions

Group 1: Intervention group: Minimization of side effects from tACS in healthy participants. With a constant stimulation frequency of 250, 500, 1000 or 2000 Hz, the aim is to find the position of the

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

All

Age

18 Years to 75 Years

Inclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria: For Arm 1 and 2: Normal hearing (i.e., hearing threshold less than or equal to 10 dB HL in the frequency range of 125 Hz - 8000 Hz) in both ears. For Arm 3: Hearing threshold greater than or equal to 80 dB at all frequencies in the worse ear, normal hearing (i.e., hearing threshold less than or equal to 10 dB HL in the frequency range of 125 Hz - 4000 Hz) in the healthy ear. For Arm 4: Diagnosed tinnitus, hearing threshold less than or equal to 20 dB HL in the frequency range of 125 Hz - 4000 Hz. Symmetrical hearing threshold (i.e., difference less than or equal to 10 dB between both ears).

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria: - Neurological or psychiatric pre-existing conditions - Use medications effecting the center - Personal history of epilepsy or history of epilepsy in immediate family members - Skin conditions in the area of the attached electrodes

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
1. Minimization of Side Effects We expect a psychometric function for the side effect of phosphenes concerning the stimulation parameter "Position of return electrode". We also expect a minimum of the other side effects for the position of the return electrode in the ear canal. 2. Maximization of Auditory Perception: We expect a psychometric function for each stimulation frequency with a threshold above which participants perceive an auditory impression. 3. Deafened patients are expected to need a higher stimulation current to produce a just noticable tone compared to individuals with normal hearing. 4. Ear noises can be effectively suppressed by tACS.	—

Measure

Time frame

1. Minimization of Side Effects We expect a psychometric function for the side effect of phosphenes concerning the stimulation parameter "Position of return electrode". We also expect a minimum of the other side effects for the position of the return electrode in the ear canal. 2. Maximization of Auditory Perception: We expect a psychometric function for each stimulation frequency with a threshold above which participants perceive an auditory impression. 3. Deafened patients are expected to need a higher stimulation current to produce a just noticable tone compared to individuals with normal hearing. 4. Ear noises can be effectively suppressed by tACS.

—

Secondary

Measure	Time frame
Profile of side effects: Stimulation of the auditory canal results in no unwanted side effects exept for a temporary local reaction (itching, skin redness, phosphenes, headaches, muscle twitches, and dizziness). This is monitored through continuous assessment of the participant's physical well-being.	—

Countries

Germany

Contacts

Public ContactAndreas Radeloff

Abteiliung für Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, Fakultät VI für Medizin und Gesundheitswissenschaften, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg

andreas.radeloff@uni-oldenburg.de+49(0)441 236 619

Outcome results

None listed

Source: DRKS (via WHO ICTRP) · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026