Transcanal Microphone for Pulsatile Tinnitus - TMPT

STUDY BASICS

Do you have Pulsatile Tinnitus? You may be eligible for a research study to find a new and reliable method of diagnosis for pulsatile tinnitus. Participation involves a very small microphone placed gently in the ear to record the sound. The microphone will stay in the ear for about one minute.

STUDY PURPOSE

This study is testing a new way to help doctors diagnose pulsatile tinnitus. Pulsatile tinnitus is when you hear a whooshing or beating sound in your ear that matches your heartbeat. Right now, doctors use tests like listening with a stethoscope or taking images (MRI and CT scans), but these do not always work well, cost time and money and can be invasive. This study wants to try using a very small microphone placed gently in your ear to record the sound. In the future, they aim for this recording to be able to make the diagnosis without further investigations.  

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• 18 years of age or older
• diagnosed with pulsatile tinnitus

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

• A trained research team member, resident, or audiologist will gently place a soft microphone in your ear canal. It will be placed using a foam tip, identical to that would be used to test hearing.
• You may be asked to move your head in different ways or to have gentle neck compression applied to help record the sounds more clearly.
• The full process will take about 7 minutes. The recording itself will only take 1 minute. The rest of the time is to explain the study and answer any questions.
• Some basic information will be collected from your medical record, like your age, gender, diagnosis, and medical record number.

**The device is non-invasive. We do not expect any serious risks or pain from this study.