Brain Imaging of Tinnitus

Study Summary

This study will use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to compare brain function in three groups of people: hearing-impaired people with tinnitus; hearing-impaired people without tinnitus; and people with normal hearing and without tinnitus. Also known as "ringing in the ears," tinnitus is the false sensation of sounds. Adults between 30 and 65 years of age who meet the following criteria may be eligible for this study: * Mild to moderate hearing loss who have experienced tinnitus daily for at least 1 year * Mild to moderate hearing loss who have never or rarely experienced tinnitus * Normal hearing who have never or rarely experienced tinnitus Candidates are screened with a medical history and questionnaires. Participants have a detailed hearing test to measure hearing and the nature of tinnitus. In a second visit, subjects have a brief physical examination, followed by MRI scanning. MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce images of body tissues and organs. For this procedure, the subject lies on a table that can slide in and out of the scanner (a narrow cylinder), wearing earplugs to muffle loud knocking and thumping sounds that occur during the scanning process. The subject may be asked to lie still for up to 8 minutes at a time. During the MRI, the subject performs computer-based tasks that involve listening to sounds. Another hearing test is done after the MRI.