The Effect of Tinnitus on Attention and Listening v2
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Effect of Tinnitus on Attention and Listening in Normal Hearing Adults
IRAS ID
196560
Contact name
Lynne Macrae
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 19 days
Research summary
Project Title : Does Tinnitus Effect Auditory Attention in Normal Hearing Adults.
Tinnitus is described as the perception of noise that has no external origin. For some people the tinnitus they perceive can become troublesome and negatively affect their lives. Patients who suffer with tinnitus often report difficulty concentrating on tasks when they are aware of their tinnitus. Previous research into this topic has produced mixed results. This study aims to build on previous research and test the theory that tinnitus has an effect on a sufferers ability to attend to a task. Participants with and without tinnitus will be assessed with two - four questionnaires and perform a listening attention task. Testing will last up to two hours and be performed in either Withington Audiology Department or at the University of Manchester.Most patients with tinnitus have hearing loss. Current practice with tinnitus sufferers is to provide amplification to treat any underlying hearing loss. However, there are a subset of patients who suffer with tinnitus but who have normal hearing. These patients are therefore unable to gain benefit from amplification. This can lead to them not receiving any formal treatment as there is no clear guidance on how to approach treating them. The more information we have on the impact of tinnitus on normal hearing sufferers quality of life, the more counselling can be given and targeted rehabilitation plans can be created.
REC name
South Central - Oxford B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/SC/0578
Date of REC Opinion
4 Nov 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion