IGNITE v2.2
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating disinhibitory brain mechanism in tinnitus and hearing loss: Is there a maladaptive signature of auditory cortex GABA loss and dysconnectivity?
IRAS ID
275468
Contact name
Dorothee Auer
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Nottingham
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 31 days
Research summary
Tinnitus is a common condition with prevalence often estimated between 10-15% in the adult population. The majority of tinnitus cases are associated with some degree of hearing loss, making hearing loss the biggest risk factor for tinnitus. Hearing loss has been thought to cause changes in the brain which could lead to the onset of tinnitus. One possible underlying mechanism is so-called auditory disinhibition, where it has been observed that GABA, the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, is decreased. This is generally thought to create an imbalance between neuronal excitation and inhibition, increase brain activity, and in turn, could cause tinnitus.
In this study, we question whether auditory cortex disinhibition is specifically related to tinnitus, or is a consequence of hearing loss. We will look at the brain’s GABA concentration level, as the main inhibitory neurotransmitter, and brain's plasticity following the changes of neurotransmitter release using non-invasive neuroimaging techniques, namely Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). A case-control study design is used and 2 groups consist of people with tinnitus and without tinnitus, will be recruited. Prior to the scanning, we will also conduct an audiology test to assess their hearing characteristics. Open recruitment will be based in Nottingham and East-Midland, United Kingdom. The study will be conducted in NHS NUH Ropewalk House, and Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre (SPMIC), University of Nottingham. Each participant will be assessed for approximately 3 hours in total of all visits. The outcome of this study may lend support in favor or against the GABA alteration and suggest neurophysiological cause and potential imaging biomarkers for tinnitus and hearing loss. This study has received funding from the European Research Council under the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (n° 764604). This study is also supported by NIHR Nottingham BRC.REC name
London - Stanmore Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/PR/0514
Date of REC Opinion
14 Jun 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion