Inhibitor Masking Device & Sodium Channel, Voltage Gated, Type IX Alpha Subunit (SCN9) Gene Expression

Inhibitor Masking Device & Sodium Channel, Voltage Gated, Type IX Alpha Subunit (SCN9) Gene Expression

To evaluate the effectiveness of the Inhibitor™ Tinnitus Masking Device. To determine if there is a higher incident of expression of the sodium channel, voltage gated, type IX alpha subunit (SCN9) gene in those subjects with disturbing tinnitus than subjects that are not disturbed by tinnitus.

Up to 50 million Americans have tinnitus on a regular basis with between 2-3 million suffering from tinnitus where it affects daily living. The Inhibitor™ Tinnitus Masking Device is a new tinnitus treatment device recently available in the United States for use of temporary relief of tinnitus. The device emits an ultra high frequency sound for 60 seconds via bone conduction when applied to the mastoid. Patients reporting tinnitus will be provided the opportunity to demonstrate the device to observe any changes in their tinnitus. The device may be demonstrated up to 5 times. The investigators will be recording the the degree and duration of change in tinnitus perception following treatment with the Inhibitor™ Tinnitus Masking Device. Patients may provide a genetic sample (typically via saliva sample) to look for expression of a particular genetic marker that may be associated with tinnitus. The investigators will be collect samples from both people with tinnitus and those without tinnitus to use as a control.

Individual with tinnitus. Intervention: inhibitor device demonstration. The Inhibitor™ Tinnitus Masking Device is a new tinnitus treatment device recently available in the United States for use of temporary relief of tinnitus. The device emits an ultra high frequency sound for 60 seconds via bone conduction when applied to the mastoid. Patients reporting tinnitus will be provided the opportunity to demonstrate the device to observe any changes in their tinnitus. The device may be demonstrated up to 5 times. The investigators will be recording the the degree and duration of change in tinnitus perception following treatment with the Inhibitor™ Tinnitus Masking Device.

Determine the Percentage of Participants for Which the Inhibitor™ Tinnitus Masking Device Effected Tinnitus Perception

Determine percentage of particpants with a change in tinnitus perception to evaluate the effectiveness of the Inhibitor™ Tinnitus Masking Device.

Percentage of participants with and without tinnitus provided a genetic sample via saliva to determine presence of SCN9 gene expression.

Inclusion Criteria: over 18 years, has tinnitus Exclusion Criteria: Pacemaker, pregnancy, metal implants in head or neck, thrombosis, migraines/headaches, metal bonded retainer, surgeries within the last 6 months which patient is still recovering from, any medical reason your physician would advise against the use of this device, under 18 years

Reimann F, Cox JJ, Belfer I, Diatchenko L, Zaykin DV, McHale DP, Drenth JP, Dai F, Wheeler J, Sanders F, Wood L, Wu TX, Karppinen J, Nikolajsen L, Mannikko M, Max MB, Kiselycznyk C, Poddar M, Te Morsche RH, Smith S, Gibson D, Kelempisioti A, Maixner W, Gribble FM, Woods CG. Pain perception is altered by a nucleotide polymorphism in SCN9A. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2010 Mar 16;107(11):5148-53. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0913181107. Epub 2010 Mar 8.