Oto Smartphone App in Treating Tinnitus Amongst Adult Patients Compared with Standard Talking Therapies

Launched by EAST AND NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE NHS TRUST · Oct 1, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a smartphone app called Oto, which aims to help adults with tinnitus—a condition that causes ringing or buzzing in the ears. The goal is to see if using this app can improve symptoms of tinnitus, help with sleep issues, and enhance overall quality of life, especially compared to traditional talking therapies offered by the NHS. Participants will fill out three different questionnaires at regular intervals to track their progress and experiences during the study.

To be eligible for this trial, you must be an adult over 18 years old who has been experiencing non-pulsatile tinnitus for at least three months. You should also be willing to use a smartphone capable of running the Oto app. If you have been offered tinnitus retraining therapy as part of your treatment, you can join. However, if your tinnitus is caused by another medical condition, or if you are currently undergoing other tinnitus treatments, you may not be eligible. If you choose to participate, you can expect to receive support and guidance while using the app, and your feedback will help researchers understand its effectiveness in managing tinnitus.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adult patients (male or female) aged over 18 years of age presenting to NHS ENT and hearing services with primary non-pulsatile tinnitus irrespective of hearing.
• • Patients must be suffering from tinnitus for a minimum of 3 months
• • Patients that have a willingness to use as well as have access to a smartphone device capable of running Oto.
• • Willing and able to provide written informed consent.
• • Those that would be offered tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) as management for their primary tinnitus
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients with secondary tinnitus as confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• • Patients undergoing any other tinnitus therapies concurrently (including hearing aids / implants). Previous tinnitus therapies including CBT in the past are accepted.
• • Patients who are not willing to use the app due to not having a suitable phone to download the application or due to own limitations in working Oto.