Auditory Mirror Therapy for Tinnitus

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?This trial tests special earmuffs that switch sounds between ears to help people with chronic tinnitus. The goal is to see if this can reduce their symptoms by changing how their brain processes sounds. Auditory mirror therapy (AMT) involves swapping sounds between ears to reduce tinnitus, similar to mirror box therapy used for phantom limb pain.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults aged 18-80 who have been experiencing chronic tinnitus, which means a constant ringing or noise in the ears, for more than three months. It's not specified if there are any specific exclusions other than age and duration of tinnitus.

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 18 and 80 years old.

I have had ringing in my ears for more than 3 months.

I am either male or female.

Participant Groups

The study is testing Auditory Mirror Therapy (AMT) using special earmuffs that flip sounds from one ear to the other. The goal is to see if this can help reduce the symptoms of tinnitus.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Placebo Group

Group I: Auditory Mirror Therapy DeviceExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Modified 3M Peltor Tactical 300 Electronic Hearing Protector. The modification consists of connecting the left microphone to the right microphone tab on the circuit board, and vice versa.

Group II: Sham Headphone DevicePlacebo Group1 Intervention

Non-Modified 3M Peltor Tactical 300 Electronic Hearing Protector