Innovative Facial and Eye Biomarkers Illuminate Tinnitus Severity and Open New Avenues for Treatment Testing

Researchers from Mass General Brigham have made a breakthrough in understanding tinnitus by identifying novel biomarkers that reflect the disorder's severity. These biomarkers involve subtle facial movements and pupil dilation, which serve as objective indicators of the distress experienced by individuals with tinnitus—a persistent phantom sound such as ringing or buzzing that affects approximately 12% of the population, including 25% of those over 65. Despite its prevalence, assessing tinnitus severity has traditionally relied on subjective reports. This study, published in Science Translational Medicine, introduces a non-invasive method to quantify tinnitus distress through facial and eye movement analysis, making it feasible to evaluate treatment efficacy objectively.

The research team used advanced computer vision techniques and AI-powered software to monitor involuntary facial movements like cheek twitches, eyebrow raises, and nostril flares, alongside pupil dilation, during sound exposure in study participants. Their findings revealed that individuals with severe tinnitus exhibited widened pupils and blunted facial responses across various sound types, suggesting a heightened state of vigilance or threat response. Conversely, those with less disruptive tinnitus showed exaggerated responses predominantly to unpleasant sounds. These responses correlated with subjective tinnitus severity and hyperacusis scores, indicating a robust biomarker potential.

Crucially, these observations were made with relatively simple tools, avoiding the need for complex brain imaging or high-tech equipment, which paves the way for accessible clinical applications. The biomarkers could be integrated into consumer devices or used in clinical settings for objective assessment, tracking treatment progress, and developing new therapies. The study's limitations include the exclusion of individuals with co-occurring issues like hearing loss or mental health conditions, which are common in severe tinnitus cases. Future research aims to address these populations.

Dr. Daniel Polley emphasizes that these findings offer a new perspective on tinnitus, moving beyond traditional brain imaging to body-wide threat assessment systems that drive distress. Ultimately, this approach could revolutionize how tinnitus is diagnosed, monitored, and treated, providing relief for millions affected by this often debilitating condition.

For more detailed information, see the original study: Samuel Smith et al, Science Translational Medicine, 2025. [DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adp1934]