Fudan Tinnitus Doctor for Tinnitus Management

This study is a prospective, two-arm, parallel-group, open-label randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the efficacy, usability, and safety of a multi-agent large language model (LLM)-based conversational artificial intelligence system (Fudan Tinnitus Doctor, FTD) for the management of chronic subjective tinnitus.

A total of 256 participants will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either the FTD intervention or a non-conversational digital education control. The intervention period is 30 days. The FTD system delivers personalized, real-time tinnitus management using a multi-agent architecture integrating cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based strategies, including psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, relaxation training, and sleep hygiene guidance. The control group receives a static digital program consisting of educational materials and a fixed-response question-and-answer module.

The primary outcome will be the change in tinnitus severity measured by the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) from baseline to Day 30. Secondary outcomes will include sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI), anxiety (GAD-2), depression (PHQ-2), and overall perceived improvement (Patient Global Impression of Change, PGIC). Exploratory outcomes will assess usability (System Usability Scale, SUS), satisfaction (Net Promoter Score, NPS), and engagement metrics. All outcomes will be analyzed using mixed-effects models under the intention-to-treat principle.

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of subjective tinnitus confirmed by a qualified investigator.
• Tinnitus duration ≥ 3 month prior to screening.
• THI score of ≥ 18
• Aged between 18 and 70 years
• The ability to use a smartphone: Both groups will receive therapeutic support and disease management primarily through a mobile application or web-based platform. This requires functional ability to operate the provided software and willingness to engage with the digital intervention protocol.
• Perceptibility: Tinnitus is present and recognizable by the participant under ordinary daily conditions (not only in quiet environments).
• Compliance and consent: Participant is assessed by the Investigator as able to understand study procedures, voluntarily agrees to participate, is willing to comply with all trial-related requirements, and provides signed informed consent prior to performance of any protocol-specified procedure.

Exclusion criteria

• Acute-phase tinnitus (duration < 3 month or tinnitus secondary to acute otologic events).
• Pulsatile or objective tinnitus.
• Unstable symptoms: Fluctuating tinnitus loudness at screening or baseline.
• Psychiatric contraindication: History or current presence of severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., major depressive disorder with recent suicidality, schizophrenia) that, in the opinion of the Investigator, may interfere with study participation or data validity.
• Testing limitations: Inability to adequately complete tinnitus testing procedures or comply with study assessments.
• Prior therapy exposure: Previous history of sound therapy specifically for tinnitus management.
• Concurrent treatments: Ongoing psychotherapy for conditions such as anxiety or depression, or any other psychological treatment that may interfere with the study endpoints.
• Concurrent trial participation: Active participation in another interventional research study that, in the opinion of the Investigator, could affect tinnitus symptoms or interact with study procedures.
• Investigator judgment: Any condition (medical, surgical, psychiatric, or social) or factor which, in the Investigator's judgment, renders the subject unsuitable for participation, places the patient at higher risk, or may interfere with compliance or scientific validity of the trial.