Trial Parameters
Brief Summary
The purpose of this multi-site research study is to determine if Etanercept, compared to a placebo, significantly reduces the severity of tinnitus (ringing in the ears) associated with history of blast and/or noise exposure or associated with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and/or concussion. Individuals who qualify will be randomized into one of two groups: The group receiving the medication Etanercept or the group receiving a saline solution placebo.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Tinnitus of at least a moderate severity as defined by a score of ≥ 25 points or higher on the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) questionnaire associated with one or more of the following: 1. Blast- or noise exposure 2. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and/or concussion diagnosed by a health care provider. 2. Able to provide written informed consent. 3. Age: Minimum 18 years of age at the time of enrollment. 4. Other concurrent treatments for tinnitus: A four-week washout from any other tinnitus treatment or management program is required prior to entering this study. a) Hearing aids are permitted if the participant has been wearing them for at least 4 weeks. 5. Hearing function: All degrees of hearing function can be included, recognizing that individuals with profound, bilateral hearing loss will not be able to perform tinnitus evaluations and hearing tests but will be able to rate subjective tinnitus loudness, annoyance and impact on life. This is an important sub-p