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Open Access 01-12-2015 | Study protocol

The effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in addition to Tinnitus Retraining Therapy for treatment of chronic tinnitus patients: a study protocol for a double-blind controlled randomised trial

Authors: Sarah Rabau, Vincent Van Rompaey, Paul Van de Heyning

Published in: Trials | Issue 1/2015

Abstract

Background

Currently, there still is no treatment that eliminates tinnitus in all patients. Recent studies have shown that Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) significantly improves quality of life for tinnitus patients. Also, several studies have reported that transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) has a positive effect on attention, working memory, long-term memory and other cognitive processes. The aim of this randomised placebo-controlled double-blind study is to evaluate the added effect of tDCS to TRT in chronic tinnitus patients. To our knowledge, this is the first study to combine both methods.

Methods

Patients with chronic, non-pulsatile tinnitus will be randomised in two treatment groups: TRT and real tDCS versus TRT and sham tDCS. Evaluations will take place at baseline before therapy starts, at the end of the TRT and 3 months after therapy starts. The Tinnitus Functional Index will be used as the primary outcome measurement. Secondary outcome measurements will be the Visual Analogue Scale of Loudness, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Hyperacusis Questionnaire, psychoacoustic measurements and Event-related potential (ERP).

Discussion

To our knowledge this is the first study to combine TRT and tDCS. The objective is to evaluate whether tDCS can provide faster and/or more relief from the annoyance experienced in chronic tinnitus patients’ daily lives. The advantage of the study is that it is double-blind and placebo-controlled.

Trial registration

The present study protocol was registered on 31 October 2014 at Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02285803.

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Title: The effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in addition to Tinnitus Retraining Therapy for treatment of chronic tinnitus patients: a study protocol for a double-blind controlled randomised trial
Authors: Sarah Rabau
Vincent Van Rompaey
Paul Van de Heyning
Publication date: 01-12-2015
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Trials / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6215
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-015-1041-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in addition to Tinnitus Retraining Therapy for treatment of chronic tinnitus patients: a study protocol for a double-blind controlled randomised trial

Abstract

Background

Methods

Discussion

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Discussion

Trial registration

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