Funded Projects

Tinnitus is common chronic disorder affecting million of people’s quality of life. Tinnitus symptom can be exacerbated by their stress, anxiety and sleeping disorder. During this pandemic period, the social distancing restriction has impact on millions of people around the world and numerous studies have found it increased the levels of depression and anxiety. A recent surgery study on over than 3000 individuals from 49 counties found that COVID-19 symptoms have exacerbated tinnitus in 40% of participants. The study suggested that tinnitus may be more bothersome for those experiencing loneliness and anxiety. Therefore, identifying the trigger that exacerbate their tinnitus and improve the current tinnitus management are critical to tinnitus treatment. The goal of the current proposal is using wearable device to record the tinnitus severity in their daily life and identify the biological markers that trigger the bothersome tinnitus. The information can be used to develop and improve their tinnitus management, e.g., reducing anxiety and stress using relaxation exercise etc.