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NCT Number: NCT07158034

Investigating EEG as a Biomarker for Tinnitus Improvement After Bimodal Stimulation

The aim of the proposed study is to investigate the use of resting-state Electroencephalogram (EEG)-Based Brain Entropy (EBDBE) and auditory brainstem responses (ABR) as an objective measure of tinnitus improvement following the use of a bimodal stimulation device in individuals with tinnitus after six weeks of bi-modal stimulation.

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This study is active but is not currently recruiting participants.

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Key information

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of Minnesota

Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, United States

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Treatment Group Inclusion Criteria:

  • 18 years and over at time of consent
  • Ability to read and understand English
  • Willing and able to provide and understand informed consent
  • Willing to commit to the full duration of the investigation
  • Subjective tinnitus
  • Tinnitus duration of greater than or equal to 3 months and less than or equal to 20 years at time of consent (only for participants in treatment group)
  • Baseline THI score from 40 to 76 (only for participants in treatment group)
  • Hearing loss condition - can hear the acoustic stimulation of the Lenire device (only for participants in treatment group)

Treatment Group Exclusion Criteria:

  • Subjective tinnitus, where pulsatility is the dominant feature (only for participants in treatment group)
  • Objective tinnitus
  • Can't hear acoustic stimulation of the Lenire device within its mid- range volume setting
  • Began wearing hearing aids within the past 3 months
  • A healthcare provider has diagnosed Meniere's disease or another disorder associated with fluctuating hearing loss.
  • History of auditory hallucinations
  • Tumor on the hearing or balance nervous systems
  • Hospitalization, or visit to a physician, for a head or neck injury, including whiplash, in the previous 12 months
  • Initiated new prescription medications or medical treatments in the previous 3 months that may impact the outcomes of the investigation, based on class of medication: antidepressants, anticonvulsants, neuroleptics and opioid analgesics.
  • Ceased prescription medications or medical treatments in the previous 3 months that may impact the outcomes of the investigation, based on class of medication: antidepressants, anticonvulsants, neuroleptics and opioid analgesics.
  • Changed dosage of prescription medications in the previous 3 months that may impact the outcomes of the investigation, based on class of medication: antidepressants, anticonvulsants, neuroleptics and opioid analgesics.
  • Any use of benzodiazepines or sedative hypnotics (either regularly or on demand)
  • Neurological condition that may lead to seizures or loss of consciousness (e.g., epilepsy)
  • Participant with a pacemaker or other electro-active implanted device
  • Participant previously diagnosed with psychosis or schizophrenia
  • Participants diagnosed with Burning Mouth Syndrome
  • A diagnosis of bothersome temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) has been rendered
  • Previous involvement in a clinical investigation for tinnitus treatment or had an implantable or surgical intervention for tinnitus
  • Inability to physically or comprehensively use the device
  • Oral piercings that cannot or will not be removed
  • Pregnancy per patient report
  • Prisoner
  • PI does not deem the candidate to be suitable for the investigation for other reasons not listed above. Rationale must be provided.

Control Group Inclusion Criteria:

  • 18 years and over at time of consent
  • Ability to read and understand English
  • Willing and able to provide and understand informed consent
  • Willing to commit to the full duration of the investigation

Control Group Exclusion Criteria:

  • Began wearing hearing aids within the past 3 months
  • Hospitalization, or visit to a physician, for a head or neck injury, including whiplash, in the previous 12 months
  • Initiated new prescription medications or medical treatments in the previous 3 months that may impact the outcomes of the investigation, based on class of medication: antidepressants, anticonvulsants, neuroleptics and opioid analgesics.
  • Ceased prescription medications or medical treatments in the previous 3 months that may impact the outcomes of the investigation, based on class of medication: antidepressants, anticonvulsants, neuroleptics and opioid analgesics.
  • Changed dosage of prescription medications in the previous 3 months that may impact the outcomes of the investigation, based on class of medication: antidepressants, anticonvulsants, neuroleptics and opioid analgesics.
  • Any use of benzodiazepines or sedative hypnotics (either regularly or on demand)
  • Neurological condition that may lead to seizures or loss of consciousness (e.g., epilepsy)
  • Participant previously diagnosed with psychosis or schizophrenia
  • A diagnosis of bothersome temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) has been rendered
  • Prisoner
  • PI does not deem the candidate to be suitable for the investigation for other reasons not listed above. Rationale must be provided.

Treatment and study plan

Lenire Device

Device

The Lenire device is a non-invasive stimulation system designed to reduce the symptoms of chronic subjective tinnitus. It includes a controller that is connected to headphones for sound delivery to the ears and a mouthpiece that provides mild electrical stimulation to the surface of the tongue. Users are recommended to use the device for 60 minutes daily, either in two consecutive 30-minute sessions or at different times throughout the day, for a minimum of 36 hours.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in brain waves at 6 weeks

    Time frame: Week 6

    Assessed via 32-channel EEG recording

Secondary outcomes

  1. Correlation between change in EBDBE, ABR, THI, and PSS-10

    Time frame: Week 6

    Assessed via Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), for which lower scores indicate a better outcome.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Minnesota

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Sep 5, 2025
Registry last updated
Jul 20, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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