RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Effects of CI on Tinnitus and Its Symptoms

This research is investigating whether cochlear implants, usually fitted to help people hear, can also reduce tinnitus (a ringing or buzzing in the ears). Many people who get cochlear implants also experience tinnitus, and scientists believe the implant's electrical signals might help quiet the abnormal brain activity causing it. The study aims to understand how effective these implants are at tackling tinnitus and how they achieve this. Researchers will use a special type of brain scan, an EEG, to monitor brain activity before and after the implant, helping them see how the electrical stimulation changes tinnitus over time. They also want to find the best settings for the implant to manage tinnitus.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Chinese PLA General Hospital

Enrolment target

200

Start

04 Jul 2022

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2027

Tinnitus

What is this study about?

This study is exploring a new role for cochlear implants, which are devices designed to help people with severe hearing loss. The researchers are particularly interested in how these implants might affect tinnitus, which is the experience of hearing sounds like ringing or buzzing when there's no external source.

Many people who receive cochlear implants also have tinnitus, and it's thought that the electrical signals from the implant might help calm the overactive brain areas that cause tinnitus. This study aims to monitor how tinnitus changes after someone receives a cochlear implant and understand *why* these changes happen. They will be looking at things like how loud the tinnitus is and how often it occurs. They're also trying to figure out the best way to set up the implant to reduce tinnitus.

The study uses a special brain scanning technique called an EEG (electroencephalogram) to measure brain activity. This is important because standard MRI scans can't be used with cochlear implants due to the magnets in them. By using EEG, researchers can observe how the electrical stimulation from the implant affects the brain's activity in different areas, which could offer new clues about how tinnitus is created and how it can be soothed. Ultimately, they hope to find better ways to help people with tinnitus, especially those who also have significant hearing loss.

Key takeaways

This study explores if cochlear implants can help reduce tinnitus.
Researchers will study changes in tinnitus before and after getting an implant.
Using EEG brain scans will help understand how implants affect brain activity.
The goal is to find the best implant settings to manage tinnitus.
This could lead to better treatments for people with hearing loss and tinnitus.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, participants must have already received a cochlear implant at the Auditory Implant Center of the Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, China PLA General Hospital. They should be between 16 and 90 years old.

Participants can be included whether they had tinnitus for at least three months before their cochlear implant surgery, or if they didn’t have tinnitus at all before the surgery. The study accepts specific brands of cochlear implants, including MED-EL, Cochlear, Advanced Bionics, and Nurotron, and all participants must volunteer to take part.

However, you cannot join if your tinnitus is caused by other health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, or an overactive thyroid. Also, if there are medical reasons preventing you from having a cochlear implant, or if you have an intellectual disability, you would not be able to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I have already received a cochlear implant.
My cochlear implant was from MED-EL, Cochlear, Advanced Bionics, or Nurotron.
I am between 16 and 90 years old.
My tinnitus is not caused by other medical conditions like high blood pressure.
I do not have conditions that prevent cochlear implant surgery or an intellectual disability.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, the researchers will observe how your tinnitus changes after you receive a cochlear implant. They will measure your tinnitus before the surgery, and then at regular intervals afterwards: one, two, three, six, and twelve months, and even more than twelve months later. They will use a special brain scan called an EEG to record your brain's electrical activity at these scheduled times. This helps them track any changes in your tinnitus and understand how the implant is affecting your brain. The study will also involve trying different settings for your cochlear implant to see what works best to help with tinnitus.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer the benefit of better understanding your tinnitus and potentially finding ways to manage it more effectively with your cochlear implant. However, as with any research, there might be unknown risks, though the procedures for this study, such as EEG scans, are generally safe. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Qian Wang
Verified postcode
Beijing, China· Recruiting

Common questions

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is when you hear sounds like ringing, buzzing, or hissing in your ears or head when no external sound is present.

What is a cochlear implant?

A cochlear implant is a small electronic device surgically placed in the ear to help people with severe hearing loss hear better.

Can the cochlear implant get rid of my tinnitus completely?

This study aims to understand how cochlear implants affect tinnitus and if they can reduce it, but it's not guaranteed to remove it completely. More research is needed.

Will I have to pay to be part of the study?

Clinical trials generally do not charge participants for their involvement. Any costs related to the study are usually covered by the researchers.

What is an EEG scan?

An EEG (electroencephalogram) is a safe and painless test that measures the electrical activity in your brain. It involves placing small sensors on your scalp.

How to find out more

QIAN WANG, M.S.

only_elizabeth@126.com +8618211068103 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.