Acoustic coordinated reset (Desyncra) for Tinnitus: What Does the Evidence Show?
Neuromodulation
Current evidence
A elegant theory whose confirmatory trial came back empty.
Evidence strength: Weak (1/5) · Tier 5 — weak or unsupported · Evidence independence: Mixed.
Patterned tone sequences around the tinnitus frequency intended to 'desynchronize' pathological neural firing (coordinated reset), delivered via a proprietary device.
Did tinnitus loudness improve?
None shown. The definitive independent double-blind placebo-controlled trial (Hall 2022, N=100) found no benefit over placebo.
Did tinnitus distress improve?
None shown. Hall 2022: primary outcome (Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire at 12 weeks) p=0.85 vs placebo.
Loudness means the tinnitus percept itself became quieter (psychoacoustic matching or loudness ratings). Distress means questionnaire scores such as THI/TFI, sleep, anxiety or quality of life improved — the sound may be unchanged. A THI/TFI improvement is never evidence the tinnitus got quieter.
How strong is the evidence?
The definitive test failed: 1/5, Tier 5.
Has the result been independently replicated?
Conflicting results. Original manufacturer-linked positive trials vs an independent null trial (2022).
Independence: The POSITIVE evidence is manufacturer-linked; the independent trial was null.
What are the limitations?
- Independent double-blind RCT (N=100) was null (p=0.85)
- Proprietary and expensive when sold
Conflicts of interest: Original program manufacturer-linked; the null 2022 trial was independent (NIHR Nottingham).
What should patients know about safety?
Safety evidence: Strong. Benign sound exposure.
Is it available?
Regulatory status: FDA 510(k)-cleared as a tinnitus MASKER (K112752); commercially inactive. The T30 CR device was cleared in 2011 under the masker regulation (874.3400) — clearance is not efficacy. A 2017 systematic review already called the evidence insufficient; the independent 2022 RCT was null. Current company status could not be verified.
Availability: Effectively unavailable · Europe: Effectively unavailable · Cost (approx.): Historically ~$5,000+
What the studies found
Systematic evaluation of the T30 neurostimulator (acoustic CR): double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial
Hall DA, Pierzycki RH, Thomas H, Greenberg D, Sereda M, Hoare DJ. · Brain Sciences · 2022 · N=100 · Double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial with open-label extension (NCT01541969)
No benefit over placebo on the primary outcome (p=0.85).
The definitive independent test of acoustic coordinated reset. An earlier industry-co-authored commentary (Front Psychol 2017) had called the RESET2 program 'non-conclusive'.
Related treatments
- Auricle bisensory stimulation (Susan Shore device) — The only treatment with rigorous randomized evidence of making tinnitus quieter — still stuck in the lab.
- Lenire (bimodal tongue stimulation) — Pairs sound with mild tongue stimulation — the first and only device of its type the FDA has authorized for…
- Paired vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) — A promising pilot, then silence — the sponsor took the technology to stroke rehab instead.
- Neosensory Duo (wristband bimodal) — A consumer wristband borrowing the bimodal idea — sold on one small company-run study.
- Transcutaneous auricular VNS (taVNS) — Non-surgical vagus nerve stimulation via an ear clip — small pilots so far, with the largest trial ever now…
Evidence last reviewed: 2026-09-03 · Evidence included through: 2026-09-03 · Confidence: high. Open the interactive evidence profile.
This page summarizes published research for education. It is not medical advice; it cannot say what will work for any individual. Discuss treatment decisions with a qualified clinician.