Can combination devices improve outcomes for patients with tinnitus?
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Can combination devices improve outcomes for patients with tinnitus?
IRAS ID
172869
Contact name
Lynsay Sutherland
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen Margaret University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
www.qmu.ac.uk/casl/, r100
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
Tinnitus is often associated with hearing loss, although some people with normal hearing may also experience tinnitus. For those with hearing loss there is vast research to support the benefit of hearing aids in reducing awareness of tinnitus.
For those with normal hearing, or very mild hearing loss, evidence supports the use of a sound generator. A sound generator works by producing a continual, low level white noise into the ear, helping patients to habituate to the tinnitus.
More recent developments in technology have produced a 'combination device'. Combination devices work as a hearing aid, and as a sound generator.
This study aims to assess the benefits of combination devices for patients with significant tinnitus and mild hearing loss. Previous studies have indicated a hearing aid to be equally as beneficial as a sound generator for those patients with mild hearing loss and significant tinnitus. Combination devices are relatively new, with very minimal research carried out on their benefit. They tend to be more expensive than hearing aids or sound generators, therefore in difficult financial times there has to be justification for using them. This study aims to look at whether or not a combination device is more beneficial to a patient with mild hearing loss and significant tinnitus, than just fitting with a hearing aid alone (comparing with a hearing aid as this is what a patient would most likely be issued with over a sound generator in my department). All patients who take part will have a chance to trial both the combination device and hearing aid. Both these devices are currently in use within the participating site and part of standard care within tinnitus manangement.
The study will be measured via two questionnaire outcome measures; the 'Tinnitus Handicap Inventory' and the 'Tinnitus Functional Index'. Please see attachments.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 5
REC reference
15/WS/0228
Date of REC Opinion
7 Oct 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion