One of the world's largest ever clinical trials into tinnitus is to take place in Dublin and people suffering with the condition are being asked to take part.

Tinnitus refers to the perception of sound in the ears, such as ringing or buzzing, when no external sound is present. While many people have experienced buzzing in their ears, e.g. after a loud concert, people with tinnitus have to deal with these sounds on an ongoing basis.

An estimated one in 10 adults - around 45,000 people - experience some form of tinnitus and for 1% of the population, this leads to major quality of life issues, such as sleep deprivation, anxiety and depression.

This new trial will take place in St James's Hospital's newly founded Research and Innovation Hub. Its aims is to compare the effects of different settings of an approved medical device on the symptoms of the condition. It is hoped this will lead to better treatment for those affected.

"Tinnitus can be extremely debilitating for many patients. This trial will provide us with greater insight into the different subtypes of this condition and potential strategies for delivering more targeted and effective treatments," explained Mr Brendan Conlon, a consultant ear surgeon at St James's.

The study was welcomed by Jean Scott, chairperson of the Tinnitus Association of Ireland.

"While we do not endorse specific treatments, the association greatly welcomes investment into evidence-based research in the area of tinnitus. We hope that it will result in improved treatment prospects for the tens of thousands of Irish people who have tinnitus," she said.

Anyone with tinnitus interested in taking part can register their interest here. Those who qualify for the study and meet the inclusion criteria will then be provided with a device to use at home for one hour per day over a 12-week period.

Participants will also be required to attend St James's Hospital five times over a 26-week period.