Somatosensory Tinnitus Study

A New Therapeutic Approach for Somatosensory Tinnitus

Somatosensory tinnitus is suspected when the tinnitus perception changes following head, neck, or jaw maneuvers. The prevalence of this type of tinnitus in Veterans in unknown. The Cleveland Clinic evaluates all tinnitus patients for this condition and when detected, prescribes individualized physiotherapy. Cleveland Clinic's novel approach to tinnitus assessment and management provides the framework for this proof of concept pilot study.

Phase 1A involves adapting Cleveland Clinic's assessment and treatment approach for somatosensory tinnitus to make it feasible for a VA population.

Phase 1B involves screening Veterans with tinnitus to evaluate and describe the prevalence of somatosensory tinnitus (in Veterans with tinnitus).

Phase 2 involves Veterans with somatosensory tinnitus receiving 3 individualized physical therapy sessions using the adapted approach developed during Phase 1A.

Phase 3 will evaluate the feasibility and tolerability of the adapted treatment approach.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Veteran
• chronic tinnitus
• positive screen for somatosensory tinnitus

Exclusion Criteria:

• Non-Veteran
• participation in new (< 1 month) tinnitus management or treatment
• current participation in tinnitus research involving an intervention