Washington School of Medicine in St. Louis

Recruiting for Observational Study: “Exploring Voluntary Control of Tinnitus”

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to look at changes in the brain that may occur when people are able to control their tinnitus (turn their tinnitus on/off or make their tinnitus louder or softer) by doing certain tasks such as turning their heads, opening/closing their mouth, or redirecting their thoughts. Upon completion of this study, new knowledge will be gained about the changes in brain activity in people who are able to modify their tinnitus.

Description: This study involves a one-time visit to Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Morning, afternoon, and evening hours are available.

Following a brief phone interview, study participants will be asked to fill out some questionnaires regarding their tinnitus, their hearing and their general health.  Participants may be asked to undergo a hearing evaluation if they have not had one in the past year. Participants will then undergo a special type of MRI scan called a functional connectivity MRI (fcMRI) scan lasting 30 minutes, during which they will be asked to control their tinnitus at various times.

There will be no costs to participants in the study. Participants will receive free parking and be reimbursed $50 for their participation. Some travel reimbursement may be available. 

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adults ages 18-80 with tinnitus for 6 month's duration or greater.

2. Participants have some voluntary control over their tinnitus, whether through redirecting their thoughts or performing certain actions, such as jaw thrust or head turn.

3. Able to give informed consent.

4. English-speaking.

5. Must weigh less than 350 pounds.

6. Be willing to travel to St. Louis, Missouri in the next few weeks, for a one-time visit, as the study will be ending in September.

Location: Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.

For additional details about this study, including specific exclusion criteria, please contact:
Ms. Sara Kukuljan at kukuljans@ent.wustl.edu.