RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Somatic Tracking for Tinnitus

This study is exploring whether a guided mindfulness meditation, known as 'Tinnitus Tracking', can help people who experience tinnitus. The idea is to teach your brain to see tinnitus differently, making it less of a threat. By paying attention to your body and breath in a non-judgmental way, this meditation tries to reduce your brain's reaction to the sounds you hear. Researchers want to find out if this approach helps you accept your tinnitus more and reduces the stress and upset it can cause, rather than avoiding the sounds, which can sometimes make them seem worse. It's a way to shift your focus and potentially improve your overall well-being.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University College London Hospitals

Enrolment target

100

Start

11 Dec 2024

Estimated completion

01 May 2025

Tinnitus

What is this study about?

This research is looking into a special type of meditation called 'mindfulness' for people who have tinnitus. Tinnitus is when you hear sounds like ringing or buzzing when there isn't an outside source for them. This study focuses on a technique within mindfulness called 'somatic tracking'. This simply means learning to pay close attention to your body and breath in the present moment, without judging what you notice.

The main aim is to see if this guided meditation can change how you feel about your tinnitus. When your brain is constantly alert to the tinnitus sound, it can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. The study hopes that by learning to observe these sensations calmly, your brain will start to see the tinnitus as less threatening. This could help you accept the symptoms more readily and reduce the physical and emotional upset they cause. Researchers are interested in whether this approach can improve your thoughts about tinnitus and lessen the distress associated with it.

This mindfulness technique has shown promise in helping people cope with distress in various situations. It's designed to help your brain create new connections, allowing you to interpret tinnitus from a safer viewpoint and reduce how much you perceive it as a problem. By redirecting your attention and broadening your awareness beyond just the tinnitus, the study hopes to reduce the intensity and bother of the sounds you experience.

Key takeaways

This study explores a mindfulness meditation technique called 'Tinnitus Tracking'.
It aims to help you change your reaction to tinnitus, making it less distressing.
The meditation focuses on paying attention to your body and breath.
The goal is to improve your acceptance of tinnitus and reduce stress.
It's a non-drug approach being tested as a standalone treatment.
You must be an adult with bothersome tinnitus and no other ongoing tinnitus therapies.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) who is bothered by their tinnitus. You should be able to speak and understand English well, and your hearing should be good enough to follow the instructions in the study.

Before you join, it's important that you've already had any necessary check-ups with doctors or hearing specialists for your tinnitus, and you've finished any treatments they suggested for underlying medical issues. Also, you shouldn't be receiving other therapies specifically for your tinnitus while you are in this study.

There are a few reasons why you might not be able to join. If you are having thoughts about hurting yourself or feel that you would be better off dead almost every day, this study isn't suitable. Similarly, if you have very severe mental health difficulties, this study would not be the right fit for you. These checks are for your safety and well-being.

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.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Does your tinnitus bother you?
Can you understand and speak English well enough?
Have you finished any recommended medical treatments for your tinnitus?
Are you currently not doing any other specific therapy for your tinnitus?
Are you generally feeling mentally well and not having thoughts of self-harm most days?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study involves taking part in a guided mindfulness meditation programme. You won't need to visit a clinic or take any medication for this particular intervention. The study aims to compare what happens when people use this meditation technique versus doing nothing at all. You will likely be asked to complete some questionnaires or assessments at different points to measure your thoughts and feelings about your tinnitus, as well as any stress you might be experiencing. The total duration of your participation, including any follow-up, will be explained to you in detail before you start, but it will involve engaging with the meditation over a set period.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially help you feel less bothered by your tinnitus and improve your overall well-being by learning new ways to cope. While there are generally no significant physical risks with mindfulness meditation, some people might find it challenging initially to focus on their body sensations or find their thoughts unsettling during meditation. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Online
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is when you hear sounds in your ears or head that aren't coming from an outside source. It can sound like ringing, buzzing, hissing, or whistling.

What is 'mindfulness meditation'?

Mindfulness meditation is a practice where you focus on the present moment, paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and body sensations without judgment. It's about being aware of what's happening right now.

What does 'somatic tracking' mean?

Somatic tracking is a part of mindfulness that involves gently paying attention to the physical sensations in your body, such as your breath or feelings in your ears, without trying to change them.

Will I have to stop other treatments for my tinnitus?

Yes, for this study, you should not be receiving any other specific tinnitus therapies at the same time. You should have already completed any essential medical treatments or investigations before taking part.

What if I feel uncomfortable during the meditation?

It's normal for new practices to sometimes feel a bit strange. The study team will provide guidance, and you will always have the right to stop participating at any time if you feel uncomfortable.

How to find out more

Florian Vogt

florian.vogt@nhs.net 00442034565651 Official trial record

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