TIDE Project: Biomarker Discovery for Chronic Tinnitus Diagnosis

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF REGENSBURG · Jul 22, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The TIDE Project is a clinical trial aimed at improving the diagnosis and treatment of chronic tinnitus, a condition where people hear ringing or buzzing in their ears that doesn't come from an external source. Researchers believe that by better understanding how tinnitus affects brain function, they can create a more effective and personalized way to diagnose this condition. The goal of the study is to find a specific biological marker, which could serve as a reliable tool for doctors to identify tinnitus more accurately and help tailor treatments to individual patients.

To participate in this trial, individuals must be between the ages of 18 and 70 and have had chronic tinnitus for at least six months. People who have never experienced tinnitus can also join as control participants. Those interested should be able to understand and agree to the research, and have a certain level of cognitive ability. Participants can expect to engage in assessments that will help researchers gather important data about their condition. It's important to note that certain ear disorders, serious health issues, and severe hearing loss may exclude someone from participating. This study is currently recruiting participants and aims to develop a tool that can be used easily in clinical settings.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • (1) for tinnitus cases: a diagnosis of chronic and constant tinnitus (for at least 6 months based on history)
• • (2) for controls: never experienced tinnitus
• • (3) age 18 -70;
• • (4) ability to understand and consent to the research;
• • (5) ability to participate (hearing ability);
• • (6) MoCa Test ≥ 26;
• • (7) hyperacusis questionnaire score \< 27;
• • (8) Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) \<14;
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • (1) objective tinnitus; heartbeat-synchronous tinnitus as primary complaint;
• • (2) otosclerosis; acoustic neuroma or other relevant ear disorders with fluctuating hearing;
• • (3) acute ear nose and throat infections (acute otitis media, otitis externa, acute sinusitis);
• • (4) Meniere's disease or similar syndromes;
• • (5) vestibular migraine;
• • (6) serious internal, neurological or psychiatric conditions;
• • (7) epilepsy or other CNS disorders (brain tumor, encephalitis);
• • (8) clinically relevant drug, medication or alcohol abuse up to 12 weeks before study start;
• • (9) change in anti-depressants/drugs ≤ 2 weeks
• • (10) missing written informed consent
• • (11) severe hearing loss - inability to communicate properly in the course of the study;
• • (12) one deaf ear;