Multimodal Therapy for Somatosensory Tinnitus
Condition(s) studied
Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)
Multimodal physiotherapy for TMJ and Cervical spine: Manual therapy (mobilisations of TMJ and cervical spine C0-C7, myofascial techniques, intraoral TMJ techniques with gloves), neuromuscular exercise (CCFT with pressure biofeedback, scapular stabilisation, proprioceptive training), home exercise program. 16 sessions × 60 min over 8 weeks. Arms: Arm 1.
Combined Exercise Program (Aerobic + Resistance + Breathing): Structured 8-week combined exercise program: aerobic training (60-85% HRmax), progressive resistance training (40-80% 1RM), breathing and relaxation exercises (diaphragmatic breathing, box breathing, resonant breathing). 24 sessions × 60 min; 1× supervised/week + 2× home-based/week. Strict instructions to avoid the Valsalva manoeuvre. Arms: Arm 1.
Tinnitus-Specific Psychological Support: One group psychoeducation session (90 min): vicious cycle model of tinnitus distress, cognitive restructuring, attention regulation training, relaxation technique. Weekly self-help materials (worksheets, audio recordings, mindfulness). On-demand individual psychological support (max. 3 sessions per 8 weeks). Arms: Arm 1.
Study summary
Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears) affects approximately 10-15% of the adult population and significantly reduces quality of life in many patients. In a substantial proportion of cases, tinnitus is associated with dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and cervical spine - this subtype is called somatosensory tinnitus.
This randomised controlled trial investigates the effectiveness of a multimodal intervention combining: (1) physiotherapy targeting TMJ and cervical spine dysfunction, (2) a structured combined exercise program (aerobic + resistance + breathing), and (3) psychological support (cognitive-behavioural psychoeducation) in patients with chronic somatosensory tinnitus.
The study also examines the acute effects of different types and intensities of physical exercise on tinnitus perception, and performs psychometric validation of Czech-language tinnitus assessment questionnaires.
Participants (N=160, aged 18-70 years) will be randomly assigned to either the multimodal intervention group (8 weeks, 5 sessions/week) or a control group. Follow-up assessments will be conducted at 3, 12, and 24 months. The primary outcome is the change in the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) score.
Eligibility
Primary outcome measure(s)
- Change in Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) score — Baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks (end of intervention), 3 months, 12 months, and 24 months.
The primary outcome is the change in tinnitus-related handicap measured by the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI). The THI is a 25-item self-report questionnaire assessing the functional, emotional, and catastrophic impact of tinnitus on daily life. Total scores range from 0 to 100, where higher scores indicate greater tinnitus-related handicap. The primary analysis will compare the change in THI score from baseline between the multimodal intervention group and the control group.
Trial sites (1)
| Facility | City | Region | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charles University Faculty of physical education and sport | Prague | Czechia |
More Charles University, Czech Republic trials in Czechia
This page summarises publicly available registry data for informational purposes — not medical advice. Eligibility is determined by each study team; patients should discuss participation with their clinician.
View NCT07468318 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ ← All trials in Czechia