The goal of this trial to see if repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to the hearing area of the brain can lessen the perception of tinnitus. rTMS uses a strong magnet and when placed against the scalp generates a small electrical field within the brain. Depending on the frequency of the stimulation, this electrical field can either decrease or increase the electrical excitability of the brain. In this study, low-frequency stimulation will be used, which is thought to decrease nerve activity. It is this electrical excitability of the brain that is thought to be responsible for tinnitus.
The hypothesis of this study is that rTMS can decrease the perception of tinnitus.
Enrollment: 55
Study Start Date: January 2008
Study Completion Date: June 2011
Primary Completion Date: June 2011 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure)
Collaborative Tinnitus Research at Washington University (CTRWU)
The hypothesis of this study is that rTMS can decrease the perception of tinnitus.