New ‘hidden in plain sight’ facial and eye biomarkers for tinnitus severity could unlock path to testing treatments

Researchers have identified biomarkers for tinnitus severity in subtle facial movements and pupil dilation that can be captured on video recordings. Until now, there has been no objective way to measure tinnitus severity and clinicians rely on patient survey questionnaires. The researchers plan to use these biomarkers to develop and test new therapies that can reduce or eliminate the phantom sounds (i.e. ringing in the ears) caused by tinnitus.