Researchers at the Bionics Institute in Melbourne have developed a world first test to objectively measure tinnitus with a brain imaging technique that uses near-infrared light.
The safe, non-invasive test aims to measure tinnitus presence and severity by recording brain signals to measure oxygen levels in the brain.
Lead researcher Dr Mehrnaz Shoushtarian, a biomedical engineer, said there was no test for tinnitus, making it difficult for doctors to diagnose and monitor the condition because they could only rely on self-reported symptoms by those with the condition.
“The aim of the research is to establish an objective measure of tinnitus that doesn’t rely on subjective self-reported symptoms,” she said. “This breakthrough has the potential to help millions of people worldwide who live with the daily torment of tinnitus.”
The test uses a cap that shines a gentle near-infrared light onto the head. The technology is called functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).
“The fNIRS technique involves placing a cap on the head and measuring changes in blood oxygen levels,” Dr Shoushtarian said. “The light reflected back provides detailed information on brain activity.
“This information is recorded on a computer and analysed by researchers, with the aim of setting a baseline for tracking changes in the brain triggered by tinnitus.”
High levels of accuracy reported
The test is similar to placing a pulse oximeter device clip on a person’s finger in hospital to measure their oxygen saturation.
“Other imaging methods have been used to study tinnitus but this technique has several advantages that make it better suited for eventual clinical use,” Dr Shoushtarian said in a video on the institute’s website.
“Our initial results have shown that the new test can diagnose tinnitus with 78% accuracy and distinguish between mild and severe tinnitus with 87% accuracy. We’re now validating our results in a bigger clinical study.”
Senior research engineer Mr Owen Burns and his team are working closely with Dr Shoushtarian and the team will produce prototypes for use in a larger multi-site clinical trial.
The institute needs volunteers without tinnitus to progress the trial and help develop the objective measure. Researchers have been collecting data from people with chronic tinnitus aged 18 and over but need people who do not have tinnitus and have no history of the condition who are aged over 50 to volunteer for testing.
“Once we know how to measure tinnitus objectively, we can move forward into investigating which treatments work,” Dr Shoushtarian added.
Volunteers will attend the institute’s East Melbourne facilities for testing. People can find out more about participating by visiting the Bionics Institute’s website.
Donations from Hearts and Minds Investments (as nominated by Cooper Investors), and the Lucas’ Papaw Foundation have helped fund the work but the institute is seeking additional funding to assist progression of the research.
