Auditory Mirror Therapy for Tinnitus

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital

Disqualifiers: Hearing aids, Drug or alcohol use, Neurological or psychiatric illnesses, Balance or vestibular symptoms, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 3 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores a new approach to help people with chronic tinnitus, a condition that causes ringing or buzzing in the ears. The study tests a device called auditory mirror earmuffs, which flips sound from one ear to the other. Researchers aim to compare this device to regular earmuffs to determine if it can reduce tinnitus symptoms. This trial suits adults who have experienced tinnitus for more than three months and do not use hearing aids or have certain medical conditions like balance issues. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could lead to new solutions for managing tinnitus.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that the Auditory Mirror Therapy device is safe for use?

Research has shown that Auditory Mirror Therapy (AMT) could be a safe option for people with tinnitus. In earlier studies, participants wore earmuffs that switched sounds between their ears. This setup aims to reduce the ringing or buzzing sounds linked to tinnitus.

Initial results suggest that the AMT device is easy to use, with no reports of serious side effects. This is promising for those interested in trying this new approach. Participants in past trials experienced a reduction in tinnitus symptoms, with no mention of harmful effects.

Since this treatment is still under study, ongoing research is needed to confirm its safety and effectiveness. However, the data so far appears encouraging for those considering joining a trial involving AMT. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Auditory Mirror Therapy for tinnitus because it introduces a novel approach to managing the condition. Unlike traditional treatments such as sound therapy or medication, this therapy utilizes a modified electronic hearing protector that swaps audio inputs between the ears. This unique mechanism could potentially retrain the brain's auditory processing, offering hope for individuals who haven't found relief from existing treatments.

What evidence suggests that the Auditory Mirror Therapy device is effective for tinnitus?

Research has shown that Auditory Mirror Therapy (AMT), which participants in this trial may receive, can help reduce tinnitus symptoms. One study found that participants scored lower on the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), which measures the impact of tinnitus on daily life, after using AMT. They also reported feeling less aware of their tinnitus. Another study found that longer use of the AMT device led to greater symptom improvement. These findings suggest that switching sounds between ears may help lessen the impact of tinnitus. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

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

I am either male or female.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo auditory mirror therapy (AMT) for 21 days, 3 hours per day

3 weeks

Daily self-administered sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Auditory Mirror Therapy

Trial Overview 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.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Auditory Mirror Therapy Device Experimental Treatment 1 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 Device Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Non-Modified 3M Peltor Tactical 300 Electronic Hearing Protector

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital

Lead Sponsor

Trials

143

Recruited

11,200+

Harvard University

Collaborator

Trials

237

Recruited

588,000+

Citations

1. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35079989/

Auditory Mirror Therapy for Tinnitus: A Pilot Study A device that swaps sound from the right pinna to the left ear canal, and from the left pinna to the right ear canal, can reduce tinnitus.

2. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-tinnitus-9-2022-edbb9

Auditory Mirror Therapy for Tinnitus · Info for Participants 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 ...

3. thieme-connect.com thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/a-1749-9279?device=mobile&id=&lang=en

Auditory Mirror Therapy for Tinnitus: A Pilot Study Results There was a significant reduction in THI and in awareness of tinnitus after the AMT intervention. Conclusion Exposing the audiovisual integration system ...

4. catalyst.harvard.edu catalyst.harvard.edu/news/article/mirror-therapy-for-tinnitus/

Mirror Therapy for Tinnitus That said, our preliminary results showed a nice correlation between the length of time participants wore the device and reduction in tinnitus ...

5. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/365585862_Auditory_Mirror_Therapy_for_Tinnitus_A_Pilot_Study

Auditory Mirror Therapy for Tinnitus: A Pilot Study Results: There was a significant reduction in Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and in awareness of tinnitus after the AMT intervention. Conclusions: Exposing the ...

6. spauldingrehab.org spauldingrehab.org/about/news/mirror-box-therapy-for-tinnitus

Mirror Box Therapy for the Ears A new study headed by Clas Linnman, Ph.D., details how a “mirror box for the ears” significantly reduces tinnitus handicap and awareness.

7. go.drugbank.com go.drugbank.com/conditions/DBCOND0003792

Tinnitus (DBCOND0003792) Evaluation of Auditory Mirror-therapy for Tinnitus, No drug interventions, treatment, Not Available, active_not_recruiting. NCT04862572. Investigating ...