Tinnitus Ear, Nose and Throat
Conditions
Interventions
Sponsors
Eligibility
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: 1. At least 18 years old 2. Able to make a voluntary and informed choice about whether to take part 3. Experience tinnitus (persistent sound in one or both ears) for the MAJORITY of the time, provided that the level of background sound is not loud enough to mask it. It is not important whether you notice the tinnitus most of the time, provided it is there if you listen out for it
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: 1. Do NOT have hearing loss that is in the 'severe' or 'profound' range at the higher frequencies. Where there are such high degrees of hearing loss, it is unlikely the sounds used in the study will have any effect on the tinnitus. If you do have this level of hearing loss, but USE A HEARING AID OR COCHLEAR IMPLANT to correct this, then you CAN still take part, though we cannot guarantee that the sounds will have the same effect when used with such a device; 2. Do NOT have tinnitus that is 'PULSATILE', meaning that it gets significantly louder and quieter in time with your pulse. This type of tinnitus is usually described as a low-pitched 'whooshing' sound.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Tinnitus loudness measured using a numerical rating scale before the start of the listening period and after the end of the listening period | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| 1. Tinnitus bothersomeness measured using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, just before and immediately after each 6-week listening period and immediately after the 3-week washout period 2. Tinnitus bothersomeness measured using the Tinnitus Functional Index, just before and immediately after each 6-week listening period and immediately after the 3-week washout period 3. Sound sensitivity/hyperacusis measured using the Hyperacusis Questionnaire, just before and immediately after each 6-week listening period and immediately after the 3-week washout period | — |
Countries
England, United Kingdom