Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is used to modulate both the auditory neural pathways contributing to the perception of phantom sounds, and the regulatory neural network responsible for the generation of the individual amount of suffering caused by chronic tinnitus.

Tinnitus is the phantom auditory perception of sound in the absence of an external or internal acoustic stimulus. It is a frequent problem which can interfere significantly with the ability to lead a normal life. Treatment remains difficult. Most available therapies focus on habituation rather than treating the cause. Tinnitus has been shown to be generated in the brain, as a result of functional reorganization of auditory neural pathways and tonotopic maps in the central auditory system. Low-frequency rTMS applied to the temporoparietal areas has been investigated for the treatment of hyperexcitability disorders such as auditory hallucinations and tinnitus. Pilot data indicate that taking into account affective components of the multiple overlapping neural networks responsible for the generation of a bothersome subjective tinnitus might enhance the efficacy of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) treatment in chronic tinnitus. A newly developed coil, the so-called double cone coil will be examined with regard to feasibility, safety and clinical efficacy in patients suffering from chronic tinnitus in a controlled pilot trial.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of bothersome, subjective chronic tinnitus
• Duration of tinnitus more than 6 months

Exclusion Criteria:

• Objective tinnitus
• Treatable cause of the tinnitus
• Involvement in other treatments for tinnitus at the same time
• Clinically relevant psychiatric comorbidity
• Clinically relevant unstable internal or neurological comorbidity
• History of or evidence of significant brain malformation or neoplasm, head injury
• Cerebral vascular events
• Neurodegenerative disorder affecting the brain or prior brain surgery;
• Metal objects in and around body that can not be removed
• Pregnancy
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Prior treatment with TMS