Neurobiological Similarities of Tinnitus and PTSD

August 7, 2023 updated by: John Moring, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

An Evaluation of Neurobiological Similarities of Tinnitus and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Psychiatric distress caused by PTSD may increase attention toward tinnitus, as well as perceived loudness and discomfort. It is important to understand how tinnitus-related distress and PTSD negatively interact together, in order to develop more effective therapeutic approaches. Understanding symptoms and neurobiological mechanisms using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), can lead to the necessary knowledge to develop effective interventions for individuals who suffer from both conditions.

Study Overview

Status

Recruiting

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

Detailed Description

Tinnitus and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are two of the most common service-connected disabilities for active-duty Service Members and Veterans. Tinnitus and PTSD are highly co-morbid, yet distinct disorders. Tinnitus is an auditory disorder in which an illusory auditory percept is experienced, usually as ringing, buzzing, or whooshing sounds, despite no external objective noise source. On the other hand, PTSD is a trauma-related disorder, and is identified by intrusions of the traumatic event, avoidance of reminders, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and hypervigilance or hyperarousal. Similarities between tinnitus and PTSD have been documented among Cambodian refugees, as well as among U.S. Veteran samples. Moreover, the latest neuroimaging data from a recent clinical trial indicated that the auditory-vigilance network was the most dysregulated among active-duty service members with PTSD, compared to combat controls and civilian controls. Due to similar symptoms between tinnitus-related distress and PTSD, and similar dysregulated resting-state brain networks, it remains important to more fully understand how these two distinct disorders may be related. This study will be the first to prospectively examine the overt emotional, behavioral, and cognitive symptoms related to tinnitus-related distress and PTSD, and the overlapping functional connectivity between tinnitus and PTSD. Investigators will examine the overlapping symptoms and neurobiological mechanisms by conducting audiometric and psychological assessments and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) among 120 participants (30 with tinnitus and PTSD, 30 with only PTSD, 30 with only tinnitus, and 30 healthy controls). Participants will be recruited from the Frank Tejeda PTSD Clinic and the Audiology Clinic within the South Texas VA Health Care System, and the Hearing Center of Excellence at Lackland Air Force Base. Canonical correlations will be conducted to examine the symptom overlap between tinnitus and PTSD (Aim 1). Investigators aim to neurobiologically characterize tinnitus and PTSD, both separately and conjointly, by conducting fMRI (Aim 2). Investigators also aim to apply modeling to psychometric and neurofunctional data to identify specific regions of the auditory-vigilance network associated with distress related to tinnitus and PTSD. Understanding the shared cognitive, emotional, and behavioral symptoms and neurobiology associated with tinnitus and PTSD will help clinicians and researchers fully understand tinnitus and PTSD independently and conjointly. Results will lead to the identification of neurobiological markers for tinnitus and PTSD, identification of a different phenotype for individuals with both conditions, and development of behavioral and neuro-modulatory therapies that can reduce distress and impairment.

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Estimated)

120

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

  • United States
    • Texas
      • San Antonio, Texas, United States, 78229
        • Recruiting
        • UT Health San Antonio
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • John Moring, PhD

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Sampling Method

Probability Sample

Study Population

This study will consent and screen veterans and active duty service members to include 120 for analysis. Subjects will be recruited from the San Antonio community. Women and minorities will be actively recruited into the study.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Male and female DEERS eligible veterans and active duty service members, ages 18 and above
  • preferred language is English and able to read and speak English at a 6th grade level
  • those with PTSD (T&P; PO) must meet full criteria for PTSD diagnosis based on the DSM-5 and assessed by an independent evaluator using the CAPS-5
  • those with chronic, constant tinnitus (T&P, TO) will be identified by self-report and confirmed with the audiometric assessment.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • psychiatric hospitalization in the last 12 months
  • significant cognitive impairment determined by inability to comprehend screening assessment
  • psychiatric problems and/or high suicide risk warranting immediate intervention
  • neurobiological disorders, Meniere's disease
  • Temporomandibular disorders that affect tinnitus, per self-report
  • history of major head trauma with loss of consciousness for 20 minutes or more as determined by the History of Head Injuries questionnaire
  • history of seizures
  • conditions that would prevent completion of fMRI scan (any type of electronic, mechanical, or magnetic implant, coil, filter, or stent, any type of surgical clip or staple, shunt, any type of metal object, hearing aid, spinal fusion, halo vest, IV access port, eyelid spring, artificial eye, artificial heart valve, biostimulator, severe hyperacusis)
  • active conductive pathology/hearing loss as determined by audiometric assessment.
  • Those with tinnitus (T&P; TO) will be excluded if their tinnitus is intermittent, objective, or pulsatile, or present for less than 6 months.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
Intervention / Treatment
Tinnitus and PTSD (T+P)
Active duty service members and/or veterans with PTSD and tinnitus.
Diagnostic test: resting-state functional MRI
We will acquire BOLD fMRI images in an unstimulated state using an extended time-series (300 whole-brain volumes over ~ 60-75 min). These data are a main outcome. Data will be processed on an ongoing basis to ensure integrity, and includes controlling for white matter, cerebral spinal fluid, and movement.
Diagnostic test: Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for the DSM-5 (CAPS-5)
The CAPS-5 is a semi-structured interview, conducted by an independent evaluator, that measures DSM-5 symptoms of PTSD. Presence of at least one intrusion symptom, one avoidance symptom, two cognition and mood symptoms, and two arousal symptoms for 1 month or more are required to reach the diagnostic threshold.
Diagnostic test: Tympanometry
Tympanometry will be conducted to assess ear canal volume (cm cubed), maximum pressure (daPa) peak compliance (ml), and type (A, AD, AS, B, B-High, C) for each ear) at 226-Hz admittance.
Diagnostic test: Tinnitus Assessment
Tinnitus acoustic assessment (for tinnitus participants only): Tinnitus ear (left, right, bilateral), pitch matched frequency (Hz) and loudness matched intensity (dB) will be conducted. When available, the tinnitus acoustic assessment only will be repeated at the RII, on the same day and prior to the fMRI scan, to demonstrate reproducibility of results.
Diagnostic test: Otoscopy
Otoscopy is a clinical procedure used to examine structures of the ear, particularly the external auditory canal, tympanic membrane, and middle ear
Diagnostic test: Pure tone air and bone-conduction
Pure tone air- and bone-conduction threshold will be conducted to evaluate audiometry and masking levels in both ears, from 250 Hz. To 16000 Hz.
Diagnostic test: Speech testing
Speech testing will be conducted in both ears, which will include speech reception threshold, speech reception threshold masking level, word recognition presentation level, and word recognition masking level.
Diagnostic test: Loudness Discomfort
Loudness discomfort levels will be tested in both right and left ears, from 500Hz to 4000Hz and speech reception threshold.
Diagnostic test: Quick Speech in Noise Test
Quick Speech in Noise Test (QuickSIN) is a quick method for clinicians to quantify a patient's ability to hear in noise (1 minute).
Diagnostic test: Distortion-Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAE)
Distortion-Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAE) is an automated evaluation of cochlear function. A sensitive microphone is placed in the ear canal via a probe assembly with a disposable ear-tip attached to perform and record the measurements. DPOAEs will be elicited at multiple frequencies in both ears (10 min).
Tinnitus Only (TO)
Active duty service members and/or veterans with only tinnitus/no PTSD.
Diagnostic test: resting-state functional MRI
We will acquire BOLD fMRI images in an unstimulated state using an extended time-series (300 whole-brain volumes over ~ 60-75 min). These data are a main outcome. Data will be processed on an ongoing basis to ensure integrity, and includes controlling for white matter, cerebral spinal fluid, and movement.
Diagnostic test: Tympanometry
Tympanometry will be conducted to assess ear canal volume (cm cubed), maximum pressure (daPa) peak compliance (ml), and type (A, AD, AS, B, B-High, C) for each ear) at 226-Hz admittance.
Diagnostic test: Tinnitus Assessment
Tinnitus acoustic assessment (for tinnitus participants only): Tinnitus ear (left, right, bilateral), pitch matched frequency (Hz) and loudness matched intensity (dB) will be conducted. When available, the tinnitus acoustic assessment only will be repeated at the RII, on the same day and prior to the fMRI scan, to demonstrate reproducibility of results.
Diagnostic test: Otoscopy
Otoscopy is a clinical procedure used to examine structures of the ear, particularly the external auditory canal, tympanic membrane, and middle ear
Diagnostic test: Pure tone air and bone-conduction
Pure tone air- and bone-conduction threshold will be conducted to evaluate audiometry and masking levels in both ears, from 250 Hz. To 16000 Hz.
Diagnostic test: Speech testing
Speech testing will be conducted in both ears, which will include speech reception threshold, speech reception threshold masking level, word recognition presentation level, and word recognition masking level.
Diagnostic test: Loudness Discomfort
Loudness discomfort levels will be tested in both right and left ears, from 500Hz to 4000Hz and speech reception threshold.
Diagnostic test: Quick Speech in Noise Test
Quick Speech in Noise Test (QuickSIN) is a quick method for clinicians to quantify a patient's ability to hear in noise (1 minute).
Diagnostic test: Distortion-Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAE)
Distortion-Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAE) is an automated evaluation of cochlear function. A sensitive microphone is placed in the ear canal via a probe assembly with a disposable ear-tip attached to perform and record the measurements. DPOAEs will be elicited at multiple frequencies in both ears (10 min).
PTSD Only (PO)
Active duty service members and/or veterans with only PTSD/no tinnitus.
Diagnostic test: resting-state functional MRI
We will acquire BOLD fMRI images in an unstimulated state using an extended time-series (300 whole-brain volumes over ~ 60-75 min). These data are a main outcome. Data will be processed on an ongoing basis to ensure integrity, and includes controlling for white matter, cerebral spinal fluid, and movement.
Diagnostic test: Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for the DSM-5 (CAPS-5)
The CAPS-5 is a semi-structured interview, conducted by an independent evaluator, that measures DSM-5 symptoms of PTSD. Presence of at least one intrusion symptom, one avoidance symptom, two cognition and mood symptoms, and two arousal symptoms for 1 month or more are required to reach the diagnostic threshold.
Diagnostic test: Tympanometry
Tympanometry will be conducted to assess ear canal volume (cm cubed), maximum pressure (daPa) peak compliance (ml), and type (A, AD, AS, B, B-High, C) for each ear) at 226-Hz admittance.
Diagnostic test: Otoscopy
Otoscopy is a clinical procedure used to examine structures of the ear, particularly the external auditory canal, tympanic membrane, and middle ear
Diagnostic test: Pure tone air and bone-conduction
Pure tone air- and bone-conduction threshold will be conducted to evaluate audiometry and masking levels in both ears, from 250 Hz. To 16000 Hz.
Diagnostic test: Speech testing
Speech testing will be conducted in both ears, which will include speech reception threshold, speech reception threshold masking level, word recognition presentation level, and word recognition masking level.
Diagnostic test: Loudness Discomfort
Loudness discomfort levels will be tested in both right and left ears, from 500Hz to 4000Hz and speech reception threshold.
Diagnostic test: Quick Speech in Noise Test
Quick Speech in Noise Test (QuickSIN) is a quick method for clinicians to quantify a patient's ability to hear in noise (1 minute).
Diagnostic test: Distortion-Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAE)
Distortion-Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAE) is an automated evaluation of cochlear function. A sensitive microphone is placed in the ear canal via a probe assembly with a disposable ear-tip attached to perform and record the measurements. DPOAEs will be elicited at multiple frequencies in both ears (10 min).
Healthy Controls
Active duty service members and/or veterans with no PTSD and no tinnitus.
Diagnostic test: resting-state functional MRI
We will acquire BOLD fMRI images in an unstimulated state using an extended time-series (300 whole-brain volumes over ~ 60-75 min). These data are a main outcome. Data will be processed on an ongoing basis to ensure integrity, and includes controlling for white matter, cerebral spinal fluid, and movement.
Diagnostic test: Tympanometry
Tympanometry will be conducted to assess ear canal volume (cm cubed), maximum pressure (daPa) peak compliance (ml), and type (A, AD, AS, B, B-High, C) for each ear) at 226-Hz admittance.
Diagnostic test: Otoscopy
Otoscopy is a clinical procedure used to examine structures of the ear, particularly the external auditory canal, tympanic membrane, and middle ear
Diagnostic test: Pure tone air and bone-conduction
Pure tone air- and bone-conduction threshold will be conducted to evaluate audiometry and masking levels in both ears, from 250 Hz. To 16000 Hz.
Diagnostic test: Speech testing
Speech testing will be conducted in both ears, which will include speech reception threshold, speech reception threshold masking level, word recognition presentation level, and word recognition masking level.
Diagnostic test: Loudness Discomfort
Loudness discomfort levels will be tested in both right and left ears, from 500Hz to 4000Hz and speech reception threshold.
Diagnostic test: Quick Speech in Noise Test
Quick Speech in Noise Test (QuickSIN) is a quick method for clinicians to quantify a patient's ability to hear in noise (1 minute).
Diagnostic test: Distortion-Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAE)
Distortion-Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAE) is an automated evaluation of cochlear function. A sensitive microphone is placed in the ear canal via a probe assembly with a disposable ear-tip attached to perform and record the measurements. DPOAEs will be elicited at multiple frequencies in both ears (10 min).

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Resting-State Functional MRI
Time Frame: 30 minutes of acquired data
We will acquire BOLD fMRI images in an unstimulated state using an extended time-series (300 whole-brain volumes over ~ 60-75 min). These data are a main outcome. Data will be processed on an ongoing basis to ensure integrity, and includes controlling for white matter, cerebral spinal fluid, and movement.
30 minutes of acquired data

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Collaborators

Hearing Center of Excellence

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

February 4, 2021

Primary Completion (Estimated)

January 31, 2024

Study Completion (Estimated)

January 31, 2024

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

July 31, 2023

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

July 31, 2023

First Posted (Actual)

August 8, 2023

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

August 9, 2023

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

August 7, 2023

Last Verified

August 1, 2023

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • HSC20200573HU

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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