Presently we have an incomplete understanding of the mechanisms in the brain that lead to tinnitus, which is one of the major factors preventing the development of effective treatments to suppress or eliminate the tinnitus sound itself. A major factor is the relatively lack of research investment in tinnitus, which is to a large extent due to the lack of an objective marker of (i.e. a ‘biomarker’) of tinnitus.

What will I be asked to do?

•  Discussion of the study plus the signing of a consent form.
• Completion of standard questionnaires about general mood and wellbeing (if not completed online).
• A hearing test (pure tone audiogram).
• A computerised task to determine the loudness of the tones (beeps) to be used in the MEG experiment (see below).
•  A magnetoencephalography (MEG) scanning session. It measures magnetic fields produced outside your head naturally as neurons fire. It is silent, painless and safe. Before scanning, you will be shown exactly what you have to do and given time to practise. The most important things you need to do during the MEG scanning session are to stay awake, keep your eyes open, don’t move your head and keep your face, neck, and body in a relaxed state.

Because the device measures small magnetic fields you will be asked not to wear metallic items (clothing with zips, metal buttons etc) on the day of your scan. Once you have removed any metal you are wearing or carrying, you will be asked to sit or lie down with your head inside the scanner for up to 60 minutes whilst sounds are played to you through headphones. As the experiments measure automatic responses to the sounds, we intend that you will be able to watch a subtitled movie of your choice on Netflix. The researcher will be able talk to you between scans while you are inside the scanner.