University of Connecticut researchers reported higher blood levels of prestin, a protein associated with inner-ear cells, in people with tinnitus than in control participants in two small studies.
One study included 89 people, 49 with chronic tinnitus and 40 controls. A second examined 82 participants, including 41 who reported chronic noise in both ears and 41 controls.
The researchers said prestin could offer a measurable clue to a condition that can be difficult to assess objectively. The studies do not establish a test that can diagnose tinnitus.
UConn says the results need to be replicated in larger groups before prestin can be confirmed as a biomarker.
