NAL-NL2 versus DSLv5 for Tinnitus 1

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    A compairson of NAL-NL2 and DSL v5 digital hearing-aid prescription formulae in terms of therapeutic effects for tinnitus sufferers.

  • IRAS ID

    172049

  • Contact name

    Sarah Craven

  • Contact email

    sarah.craven@ghnt.nhs.uk

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    0 years, 11 months, 31 days

  • Research summary

    The British Tinnitus Association (2009) highlights that around 5% of the adult population in the UK experience persistent or troublesome tinnitus. The therapeutic effect of hearing-aids on tinnitus has been well documented, but there is less information available about different settings or prescriptions which may be better suited to masking tinnitus (Melin et al 1987; Sherbourne et al 2002; Searchfield 2005; Moffat et al 2009 and Shekhawat et al 2013a). More research within this topic would inform clinical practice, specifically the fitting of hearing-aids to clients whose main complaint is tinnitus.
    The current study aims to compare NAL-NL2 with DSLv5 to find the most effective prescription formula which may provide evidence to consider recommendations for the management of tinnitus to inform standard clinical practice within the UK. This research has potential impact for clients with problematic tinnitus and hearing-loss, where sound maskers/generators are inappropriate, informing hearing services, particularly those without a designated tinnitus service.
    Participation will be offered to clients attending NHS direct referral appointments who present with tinnitus as a primary complaint and who exhibit a mild to moderate sensorineural hearing-loss appropriate for amplification. Hearing-aids will be Phonak Nathos S+ Micro on appropriate slim tubes and tips with all extra features deactivated.
    Hearing-aids will be fitted to two independent groups. Half the participants will be set with NAL-NL2 and the other with DSLv5 (independent variable), subjects will then be reviewed after three months and set with the other formula, allowing each subject to access both conditions. A second review will be used to gain feedback and set the hearing-aids to preferences. Participants will complete the Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire, Tinnitus Handicap inventory and Tinnitus Function Index after each condition. Results from the data collected will then be compared using T-Tests in SPSS statistical software.

  • REC name

    East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    15/EM/0178

  • Date of REC Opinion

    13 May 2015

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion