Study for Somatosensory Tinnitus

This study is looking for people with somatosensory tinnitus (ringing in the ears that changes with head or neck movements) to test different ways to treat it. You might be able to join if you are 18 or older, have had constant, bothersome tinnitus for at least six months, and can change your tinnitus sound by moving your head, neck, or jaw. The study is comparing three interventions: personalized physical therapy, sound-based therapy, or a combination of both. Researchers want to see if these treatments can reduce how bothersome your tinnitus is, measured by changes in your TFI (Tinnitus Functional Index) score over 12 weeks. The study plans to enroll 72 participants.

Study design
This is an interventional study that will randomize participants to one of three treatment groups. It aims to enroll 72 participants.
What's involved
You will have your tinnitus measured at the start, and then again at 8 and 12 weeks after being assigned to a treatment group. If assigned, you will receive physical therapy, sound-based therapy, or both, with exercises to do at home.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your tinnitus will be measured at 8 and 12 weeks post-randomization.

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NCT05434637

Somatosensory Tinnitus RCT

Recruiting
NAAges 18+InterventionalTreatment
VA Office of Research and Development
~72 participants
Updated 2026-08-24 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Physical TherapySound-based TherapyCombination Therapy

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Change in Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) Score
Measured over Measured at at baseline; 8 and 12 weeks post-randomization
Tinnitus
1 sites across 1 states
Oregon1
  • Sarah Theodoroff, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Constant, chronic tinnitus (6-months in duration)
Bothersome tinnitus based on Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) score and self-reported loudness
Able to modulate tinnitus perception with head, neck, and/or jaw maneuvers

Exclusion

Middle ear pathology
Not a candidate for physical therapy
Injury to the temporomandibular area in past 3 months
Active pathology in the orofacial region
  • Change in Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) ScoreMeasured at at baseline; 8 and 12 weeks post-randomization

    The Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) is a 25-item questionnaire that evaluates treatment responsiveness (i.e., changes in functional effects of tinnitus over time). Total possible score ranges from 0-to-100 (scores \>25 indicate tinnitus is a significant problem).