DMSO Dual-Route Therapy for Tinnitus

(DART-TINN Trial)

This trial tests a new treatment for individuals with troublesome tinnitus (ringing in the ears) that began or worsened after long COVID or a COVID-19 vaccine. The treatment, DMSO Dual-Route Therapy, involves applying a special liquid in the ears every four days and a cream around the ears and neck daily for a month. The researchers aim to determine if the treatment can reduce tinnitus by at least half for many participants. This trial suits adults who have experienced tinnitus for at least six months and have tried at least two other treatments without success. All study visits occur online after an initial in-person checkup. As a Phase 2 trial, this research focuses on measuring the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, offering participants a chance to potentially benefit from an innovative therapy.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial team or your doctor.

In a previous study, nine out of fifteen patients who used DMSO for tinnitus experienced complete symptom relief, with no recurrence for a year. Another study suggested that using DMSO in low amounts is mostly safe for ear cells. Research has also shown that DMSO can be used in studies without harming the inner ear.

Unlike current treatments for tinnitus, which often include sound therapy and medications aimed at symptom relief, DMSO Dual-Route Therapy uses a unique approach with its two-pronged delivery method. This therapy combines a DMSO-based liquid applied to the ear canal and a transdermal cream applied to the skin near the ear and neck. Researchers are excited because DMSO is known for its ability to penetrate tissues and may enhance the delivery of therapeutic agents directly to the affected areas, potentially offering more direct and effective relief from tinnitus symptoms. This dual-route application could provide a novel way to target the condition more precisely than traditional methods.

Research suggests that dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) might help with tinnitus, a condition characterized by ringing or buzzing in the ears. In one study involving 15 participants, nine experienced complete disappearance of their tinnitus after using DMSO, with no recurrence for at least a year. This trial will evaluate the DMSO Dual-Route Therapy, where all participants will receive a compounded DMSO-based otic liquid and transdermal cream. Known for its ability to penetrate the skin, DMSO may deliver its effects directly to the affected areas. While some studies show promise for DMSO, it is important to note that it is not widely approved for treating tinnitus. More research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness for this condition.¹²³⁶⁷