Take part in tinnitus research

Tinnitus research is a growing field and there are researchers looking for participants to take part in studies all the time

According to the NHS, 1.3 million people take part in health research each year.

People’s involvement in research has contributed important information to promote healthier and improved living conditions both now and in the future and drives medical advancements for better treatments, and diagnosis methods. 

Tinnitus research is a growing field and there are researchers looking for participants to take part in studies all the time. The type of research undertaken is very varied, ranging from answering a few questions online to in-person visits for testing or to trying new treatments. 

So why should you take part in tinnitus health research? 

There are several reasons why you might want to take part in tinnitus research: 

Improving tinnitus knowledge: research helps us better understand how tinnitus is caused, how it develops, and how to prevent and treat it.  

Access to new treatments: Participating in clinical trials can give you access to new treatments that are not yet available to the public.  

Contributing to the greater good: By taking part in tinnitus research, you can make a significant contribution to society. Research often leads to medical breakthroughs that benefit everyone. 

Personal benefit: In some cases, participating in tinnitus research can have personal benefits, such as access to specialised care or closer monitoring of your tinnitus and hearing.  

Empowerment: Participating in tinnitus research can be empowering, giving you a sense of control over your tinnitus and your future. It can also help you develop a better understanding of your tinnitus and how to manage it. 

If you are under the care of a health professional, you can ask them to consider any trials that you may be eligible for. 

However, you can also sign up for the following studies and at these centres: 

A Tinnitus Biobank could allow us to understand the condition much better and answer many questions that, thanks to chronic underinvestment, so far remain unanswered. Plans for a Tinnitus Biobank are at the early stages. Signing up to offer your support does not commit you to participating in the future. 

ClinicalTrials.gov is a registry and results database of publicly and privately supported clinical studies of human participants conducted around the world. It can be easily searched and will include contact details for open trials if you would.

Do you have hearing loss? Volunteers needed!

A team at Aston University – including former Tinnitus UK team member Dr Georgie Burns O’Connell – is looking for people with hearing loss to complete a questionnaire. The team aims to use patient experience to improve audiology services.

They’d love your help if you:

  • have hearing loss
  • are aged 16+ years
  • live in the UK

To take part, visit https://rebrand.ly/HeLPPREM

For more information, please email audiology_helpstudy@aston.ac.uk

The International Clinical Trials Registry (ICTRP) is a clinical trials database hosted by the World Health Organisation. 

The Auditory Cognition Group has a website which includes details of current work and how to volunteer. You can also follow them on Twitter @AuditoryGroup to be kept up to date. 

NIHR Nottingham BRC conducts research that benefits people with hearing loss, deafness and tinnitus. 

There are different ways in which you can get involved: 

Taking part in studies. The type of research undertaken is very varied. A number of studies involve an initial assessment of your hearing, followed by further visits, possibly even with some activities for you to do at home. 

Developing new research. Nottingham Hearing BRU actively encourages patient and public involvement in the development of research ideas so that the work they do best addresses the issues that are most important to you.  

If you would like to get involved, please visit the website or call Sandra Smith on 0115 823 2600.