Brain wave test may reveal tinnitus relief
NCT ID NCT07158034
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jul 21, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This study looks at whether changes in brain waves can objectively measure tinnitus improvement after using a non-invasive device. The device delivers sound through headphones and mild electrical pulses to the tongue. Twenty-four adults with chronic tinnitus will use the device daily for six weeks, and researchers will track brain activity, tinnitus severity, and stress levels.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Lenire Device (non-invasive bimodal stimulation device delivering sound and mild electrical tongue stimulation)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could provide an objective way to measure tinnitus improvement, helping doctors better assess treatments.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early-stage study with only 24 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. It focuses on measuring brain waves, not on curing tinnitus.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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10 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Oct 2025
- Expected to finish
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Nov 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Treatment Group Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years and over at time of consent * Ability to read and understand English * Willing and able to provide and understand informed consent * Willing to commit to the full duration of the investigation * Subjective tinnitus * Tinnitus duration of greater than or equal to 3 months and less than or equal to 20 years at time of consent (only for participants in treatment group) * Baseline THI score from 40 to 76 (only for participants in treatment group) * Hearing loss condition - can hear the acoustic stimulation of the Lenire device (only for participants in treatment group) Treatment Group Exclusion Criteria: * Subjective tinnitus, where pulsatility is the dominant feature (only for participants in treatment group) * Objective tinnitus * Can't hear acoustic stimulation of the Lenire device within its mid- range volume setting * Began wearing hearing aids within the past 3 months * A healthcare provider has diagnosed Meniere's disease or another disorder associated with fluctuating hearing loss. * History of auditory hallucinations * Tumor on the hearing or balance nervous systems * Hospitalization, or visit to a physician, for a head or neck injury, including whiplash, in the previous 12 months * Initiated new prescription medications or medical treatments in the previous 3 months that may impact the outcomes of the investigation, based on class of medication: antidepressants, anticonvulsants, neuroleptics and opioid analgesics. * Ceased prescription medications or medical treatments in the previous 3 months that may impact the outcomes of the investigation, based on class of medication: antidepressants, anticonvulsants, neuroleptics and opioid analgesics. * Changed dosage of prescription medications in the previous 3 months that may impact the outcomes of the investigation, based on class of medication: antidepressants, anticonvulsants, neuroleptics and opioid analgesics. * Any use of benzodiazepines or sedative hypnotics (either regularly or on demand) * Neurological condition that may lead to seizures or loss of consciousness (e.g., epilepsy) * Participant with a pacemaker or other electro-active implanted device * Participant previously diagnosed with psychosis or schizophrenia * Participants diagnosed with Burning Mouth Syndrome * A diagnosis of bothersome temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) has been rendered * Previous involvement in a clinical investigation for tinnitus treatment or had an implantable or surgical intervention for tinnitus * Inability to physically or comprehensively use the device * Oral piercings that cannot or will not be removed * Pregnancy per patient report * Prisoner * PI does not deem the candidate to be suitable for the investigation for other reasons not listed above. Rationale must be provided. Control Group Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years and over at time of consent * Ability to read and understand English * Willing and able to provide and understand informed consent * Willing to commit to the full duration of the investigation Control Group Exclusion Criteria: * Began wearing hearing aids within the past 3 months * Hospitalization, or visit to a physician, for a head or neck injury, including whiplash, in the previous 12 months * Initiated new prescription medications or medical treatments in the previous 3 months that may impact the outcomes of the investigation, based on class of medication: antidepressants, anticonvulsants, neuroleptics and opioid analgesics. * Ceased prescription medications or medical treatments in the previous 3 months that may impact the outcomes of the investigation, based on class of medication: antidepressants, anticonvulsants, neuroleptics and opioid analgesics. * Changed dosage of prescription medications in the previous 3 months that may impact the outcomes of the investigation, based on class of medication: antidepressants, anticonvulsants, neuroleptics and opioid analgesics. * Any use of benzodiazepines or sedative hypnotics (either regularly or on demand) * Neurological condition that may lead to seizures or loss of consciousness (e.g., epilepsy) * Participant previously diagnosed with psychosis or schizophrenia * A diagnosis of bothersome temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) has been rendered * Prisoner * PI does not deem the candidate to be suitable for the investigation for other reasons not listed above. Rationale must be provided.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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