Joshua J. Sturm, MD, PhD, Surgeon in Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Montefiore Einstein and Assistant Professor of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, has received two national research grants totaling $75,000, supporting two innovative and complementary projects aimed at identifying central auditory biomarkers of tinnitus perception and distress. Dr. Sturm was awarded a $50,000 two-year Innovative Tinnitus Research Grant from the American Tinnitus Association (ATA) and a $25,000 one-year research grant from the American Neurotology Society (ANS). He was one of only three awardees selected from a record-breaking 15 applications reviewed by the ANS Research Committee in 2025.

Dr. Sturm’s ATA-funded project, “Identifying Central Auditory Biomarkers Linked to Tinnitus Perception and Distress,” tests the hypothesis that specific patterns of brain activity during auditory processing tasks can reliably predict tinnitus perception and tinnitus-related distress. Using electroencephalography (EEG), the study will measure neural responses and compare auditory brain activity across two groups: individuals with hearing loss and tinnitus, and individuals with hearing loss but no tinnitus. The investigators will also analyze how these neural signatures correspond with patient-reported measures of tinnitus-related distress. Findings from this research could pave the way for more effective monitoring of tinnitus by identifying reliable biomarkers linked to both its perceptual and emotional impact. The use of noninvasive, cost-effective EEG techniques may also support future studies that apply these biomarkers to evaluate treatment outcomes and advance personalized tinnitus care.

Dr. Sturm’s second award, the $25,000 ANS Research Grant, supports his project titled “Defining Central Auditory Biomarkers of Tinnitus Perception and Distress.” The ANS awards grants each year to foster academic research in otology and neurotology, particularly for early-career physician–investigators. His ANS-funded study uses scalp-recorded, event-related potentials (ERPs) in the brain to characterize electrophysiological biomarkers of central auditory perceptual processing in patients with hearing loss and tinnitus. Dr. Sturm will conduct the work funded by both awards in collaboration with Elyse S. Sussman, PhD, Professor of Neuroscience and Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Tinnitus, often described as high-pitched ringing or buzzing that is typically heard only by the affected person, affects an estimated 15–20% of adults worldwide. Nearly one in five of those individuals experience significant disruptions to concentration, hearing and cognitive processing. Progress in treatment has been limited by the absence of objective, human-specific biomarkers that can reliably capture the subjective experience of tinnitus and remain independent of coexisting hearing loss, which occurs in up to 90% of cases. Because animal models cannot fully replicate the human experience of tinnitus, identifying human-specific electrophysiological biomarkers remains a critical research priority. Dr. Sturm’s work directly addresses this gap.

A neurotologist and surgeon–scientist specializing in the medical and surgical treatment of ear and skull base disorders, Dr. Sturm brings a patient-centered perspective to his research focused on elucidating the neural mechanisms underlying tinnitus perception and distress.

“I care for patients every day who are suffering from debilitating tinnitus that impacts their mood, concentration, productivity and quality of life,” said Dr. Sturm. “Current treatment options remain limited, underscoring the urgent need for progress. I am deeply passionate about this work and hope our discoveries will open new pathways for therapeutic development.”

By securing two competitive national awards and advancing the search for objective electrophysiological biomarkers, Dr. Sturm is helping redefine how tinnitus is understood, monitored and ultimately treated. His work strengthens Montefiore Einstein’s role as a leader in neurotology and in the care of patients with tinnitus and other central auditory conditions, offering renewed hope to individuals living with this complex and highly prevalent condition.

Montefiore Einstein is ranked in the top 1% of all U.S. hospitals for ear, nose and throat care according to U.S. News & World Report and serves as an international referral center for the most complex and high-risk cases.