Tinnitus Quest, an international patient-driven nonprofit accelerating research into tinnitus treatments, today announced a new funding round for innovative ideas to silence tinnitus. This follows the organization's first grant: a $230,000 study at the University of Oxford exploring transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS).
Oxford Study Targets Deep Brain Regions
Led by Professor Robin Cleveland, Director of the Institute of Biomedical Engineering at Oxford, the project investigates whether TUS can modulate neural circuits associated with tinnitus. The goal is to identify which brain targets and stimulation patterns most effectively reduce tinnitus loudness. Deep brain stimulation has shown promise but requires invasive surgery; TUS offers a non-invasive, safer, and more scalable alternative.
New Funding Call Seeks Bold Ideas
The new funding round seeks out-of-the-box approaches, including drug and device repurposing, which could lower development costs and accelerate market access. Tinnitus Quest is also offering a hyperacusis grant on behalf of Hyperacusis Research Ltd.
Legendary singer and actress Barbra Streisand expressed support: “Tinnitus Quest gives hope to people who are affected. They are driving research forward and raising much needed awareness, which is why I am happy to support their mission and research.” The Barbra Streisand Foundation donated $10,000 last year to advance Tinnitus Quest's work.
Tinnitus Hackathon Returns
Tinnitus Quest will host the second Tinnitus Hackathon on 27–29 October in Dallas, Texas. The event brings together researchers, patient advocates, and industry representatives for intensive discussions to produce actionable plans for the next 2–3 years.
“In a field that remains severely underfunded, our first grant demonstrated that promising ideas exist. Now we want to uncover a pipeline of even more innovative approaches that could bring us closer to silencing tinnitus,” said Hazel Goedhart, co-founder of Tinnitus Quest.
Tinnitus affects hundreds of millions worldwide, causing sleep disturbance, anxiety, and reduced quality of life, yet effective treatments remain limited.
About Tinnitus Quest
Tinnitus Quest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, led by patients and researchers, dedicated to funding high-risk, high-gain science to silence tinnitus. The organization builds a movement driving research forward and bringing hope to millions.
