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Investigating EEG as a Biomarker for Tinnitus Improvement After Bimodal Stimulation

Investigating EEG as a Biomarker for Tinnitus Improvement After Bimodal Stimulation

Status
Active, not recruiting
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07158034
Enrollment
10
Registered
2025-09-05
Start date
2025-10-03
Completion date
2026-11-30
Last updated
2026-07-20

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

Conditions

Tinnitus

Brief summary

The aim of the proposed study is to investigate the use of resting-state Electroencephalogram (EEG)-Based Brain Entropy (EBDBE) and auditory brainstem responses (ABR) as an objective measure of tinnitus improvement following the use of a bimodal stimulation device in individuals with tinnitus after six weeks of bi-modal stimulation.

Interventions

DEVICELenire Device

The Lenire device is a non-invasive stimulation system designed to reduce the symptoms of chronic subjective tinnitus. It includes a controller that is connected to headphones for sound delivery to the ears and a mouthpiece that provides mild electrical stimulation to the surface of the tongue. Users are recommended to use the device for 60 minutes daily, either in two consecutive 30-minute sessions or at different times throughout the day, for a minimum of 36 hours.

Sponsors

University of Minnesota
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

Treatment Group Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years and over at time of consent * Ability to read and understand English * Willing and able to provide and understand informed consent * Willing to commit to the full duration of the investigation * Subjective tinnitus * Tinnitus duration of greater than or equal to 3 months and less than or equal to 20 years at time of consent (only for participants in treatment group) * Baseline THI score from 40 to 76 (only for participants in treatment group) * Hearing loss condition - can hear the acoustic stimulation of the Lenire device (only for participants in treatment group) Treatment Group

Exclusion criteria

* Subjective tinnitus, where pulsatility is the dominant feature (only for participants in treatment group) * Objective tinnitus * Can't hear acoustic stimulation of the Lenire device within its mid- range volume setting * Began wearing hearing aids within the past 3 months * A healthcare provider has diagnosed Meniere's disease or another disorder associated with fluctuating hearing loss. * History of auditory hallucinations * Tumor on the hearing or balance nervous systems * Hospitalization, or visit to a physician, for a head or neck injury, including whiplash, in the previous 12 months * Initiated new prescription medications or medical treatments in the previous 3 months that may impact the outcomes of the investigation, based on class of medication: antidepressants, anticonvulsants, neuroleptics and opioid analgesics. * Ceased prescription medications or medical treatments in the previous 3 months that may impact the outcomes of the investigation, based on class of medication: antidepressants, anticonvulsants, neuroleptics and opioid analgesics. * Changed dosage of prescription medications in the previous 3 months that may impact the outcomes of the investigation, based on class of medication: antidepressants, anticonvulsants, neuroleptics and opioid analgesics. * Any use of benzodiazepines or sedative hypnotics (either regularly or on demand) * Neurological condition that may lead to seizures or loss of consciousness (e.g., epilepsy) * Participant with a pacemaker or other electro-active implanted device * Participant previously diagnosed with psychosis or schizophrenia * Participants diagnosed with Burning Mouth Syndrome * A diagnosis of bothersome temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) has been rendered * Previous involvement in a clinical investigation for tinnitus treatment or had an implantable or surgical intervention for tinnitus * Inability to physically or comprehensively use the device * Oral piercings that cannot or will not be removed * Pregnancy per patient report * Prisoner * PI does not deem the candidate to be suitable for the investigation for other reasons not listed above. Rationale must be provided. Control Group Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years and over at time of consent * Ability to read and understand English * Willing and able to provide and understand informed consent * Willing to commit to the full duration of the investigation Control Group

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change in brain waves at 6 weeksWeek 6Assessed via 32-channel EEG recording

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Correlation between change in EBDBE, ABR, THI, and PSS-10Week 6Assessed via Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), for which lower scores indicate a better outcome.

Countries

United States

Contacts

PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORPeggy Nelson

University of Minnesota

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Jul 21, 2026