Evaluation of a Non-invasive Tinnitus Device for the Management of Tinnitus Symptoms in Military Veterans

Combat Stress

Status

Not yet enrolling

Conditions

Tinnitus

Treatments

Device: White noise device

Study type

Interventional

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT06905158

No ID yet

Details and patient eligibility

About

The prevalence of tinnitus in military veterans is notably higher than the non-veteran population and can significantly disrupt the lives of veterans. Given the profound impact of tinnitus on the lives of veterans, along with the considerable economic burden and barriers to treatment, it is crucial to explore the feasibility of new approaches. Wearable sound technologies offer a non-invasive and easily accessible approach. As such, this waitlist-controlled trial aims to assess the efficacy of this new non-invasive white noise wearable device in reducing tinnitus symptoms between baseline and the one-month post-randomisation among veterans who have experienced tinnitus for at least three months.

Full description

The presence of tinnitus has been significantly associated with depression, anxiety, sleep difficulties and job performance in addition to poorer general physical health.. However, to our knowledge, there is currently no intervention for tinnitus that is supported as effective for most people. As such, there is a need to explore alternative approaches. Sound therapy offers an easily accessible, non-invasive, low-cost option. As such, this study aims to explore the effectiveness of a non-invasive white noise device in reducing symptoms of tinnitus and mental health difficulties in military veterans. A total of 20 military veterans who have self-reported experiencing tinnitus for at least three months will be recruited. : In this waitlist-controlled trial, the tinnitus device will be compared to the waitlist-controlled group who will receive the device one-month post-randomisation. The trial will be conducted in a veteran population (n = 20) that was recruited from a prior study that had aimed to explore the impact of tinnitus on wellbeing within a veteran population. Once the participants receive the tinnitus device, they will be asked to use the device for a period of one month. The primary outcome is the change in self-reported tinnitus symptoms and mental health difficulties between baseline (day 0) and the one-month post-randomisation (day 28). The outcome variables of interest will be assessed at all timepoints (baseline, one-month post-randomisation, and two-months post-randomisation) and the predictor variables will only be assessed at baseline to reduce participant burden. It is hypothesised that the non-invasive device will result in significant reductions in symptoms of tinnitus (as indicated using the TFI) and mental health difficulties (as measured using the gHQ-12) from baseline to one-month post-intervention in comparison to a waitlist control.

Enrollment

20 estimated patients

Sex

All

Ages

18+ years old

Volunteers

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Fluent in speaking and reading English.
United Kingdom Armed Forces veteran
Persistent tinnitus for at least three months (participants with tinnitus had to confirm experience of constant ringing or buzzing [bilateral or unilateral] lasting longer than three months).
Able to receive the TinniSoothe device to their registered address
Able to follow study instructions
Sign the written consent form prior to any study-related procedures being performed

Exclusion criteria

Below 18 years of age
Significant severe hearing loss without hearing aids
Individuals who have already habituated to tinnitus
Veterans receiving concurrent treatment for tinnitus (e.g., other wearable devices or ongoing audiological therapies)
Active self-harm or suicidal ideation
Severe psychotic disorder, dissociative identity disorder or other severe mental health difficulty
Current alcohol or drug-use disorder or dependency requiring further support or treatment that would significantly impact treatment engagement, as assessed clinician
Unwilling and/or unable to provide informed consent

Trial design

Primary purpose

Treatment

Allocation

Randomized

Interventional model

Parallel Assignment

Masking

None (Open label)

20 participants in 2 patient groups

Immediate intervention arm

Experimental group

Description:

All participants will receive the non-invasive device to their registered address and will be asked to use it for a period of one month. This will involve wearing the device around ones neck or body during the day and docking it at night for 24/7 relief. Participants can alter the volume and frequency of the device to fit into their individual experience.

Treatment:

Device: White noise device

Waitlist control arm

Other group

Description:

The WL control group will receive the device one-month post-randomisation

Treatment:

Device: White noise device