NCT06880367

Neuromodulatory Effects of Audio-proprio-phonatory Reinforcement Training on Subjective Tinnitus, Demonstrated by High-density Electroencephalogram (HD EEG)

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 56 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Centre Hospitalier Régional d'Orléans · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 84 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Our ecological approach to neuromodulation in the field of "acouphonology" empowers tinnitus patients to act as their own source of sound stimuli through audio-proprio-phonatory reinforcement (APPR). By engaging in self-phonations, individuals uncoverthe vast potential for sound production, which can effectively mask their tinnitus or induce residual inhibition, all without relying on external sources. This clinical study aims to illustrate the positive impact of audio-proprio-phonatory reinforcement training on individuals suffering from chronic subjective tinnitus. This will be further supported and quantified through high-definition electroencephalography (HD EEG) as we explore the relationship between changes in connectivity within specific brain regions and the varying degrees of response to the therapeutic protocol.

Detailed description

Three visits will be conducted, with intervals of two periods lasting five weeks each. Inclusion visit (T0): Following the assessment of eligibility, the patient will receive an informative document regarding the study. After a period of contemplation, the patient will provide consent to participate. This visit will include a medical examination, an APPR test accompagnied by spectrogram feedback, a tinnitus assessment focusing on residual inhibition, high-density electroencephalograms and self-assessment questionnaires. Phase 1: Other the course of five weeks, Group A, designated for"audio-proprio-phonatory training" will participate in one group videoconference session each week, along with daily exercises to complete. Participants will also be required to self-assess using the Visual Analog Scale of discomfort (VAS-D) on the days of the group workshops and on Fridays (both morning and evening). Concurrently, Group B, labeled "no training" will conduct self-assessments using the VAS-D on Mondays and Fridays (morning and evening). T1 visit: This visit will involve a medical examination, high-density electroencephalograms and self-assessment questionnaires will be performed. Phase 2: The 2 groups will switch roles and follow the same protocol as outlined in phase 1. End of study visit (T2): A medical examination and self-assessment questionnaires will be conducted.

Conditions

• Tinnitus, Subjective

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	The intervention is an audio-proprio-phonatory training	The audio-proprio-phonatory training involves engaging in group workshops and performing exercise sessions independently, following the guidance provided by the specialist, over a duration of five weeks
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST	high-density electroencephalogram (HD-EEG)	HD-EEG examination with 256 channels distributed throughout the skull that record resting brain connectivity(10 min).

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-03-18
• Primary completion: 2028-09-18
• Completion: 2028-09-18
• First posted: 2025-03-17
• Last updated: 2025-12-30

Locations

1 site across 1 country: France