Collaboration tackles tinnitus

Psychology academic from Leeds Trinity University teams up with Bud & Tender to bring relief to tinnitus sufferers 

A Reader in Psychology and tinnitus expert from Leeds Trinity University has joined forces with UK-based SME Bud & Tender in a groundbreaking collaboration to explore the potential of CBD products in alleviating tinnitus distress. Tinnitus, a condition affecting 1 in 7 adults in the UK, can lead to severe conditions such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances, with no known cure currently available. 

Leading the research is Dr James Jackson, Chartered Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychology Society, whose expertise in tinnitus makes him uniquely qualified to spearhead the initiative. Dr Jackson’s team seeks to determine whether CBD-based products can effectively reduce the distress and psychological impacts associated with the condition. Initial pilot studies will focus on reductions in anxiety, while larger research phases will assess broader impacts on tinnitus distress compared to existing treatment practices. 

Bud & Tender, known for their award-winning CBD oil – endorsed by consumers, the national press, industry peers, doctors and patients – and their innovative approach to hemp cultivation, bring their extensive experience in: hemp research and development, academic collaborations and real-world experience of plant-based supplementation of the body’s endocannabinoid system. The company partnered with the University of Hertfordshire and Rothamsted Research, achieving major milestones in hemp research for the benefit of UK farmers who need a high-yield, profitable and ultra-compliant crop optimised for regenerative farming and ELMS eligibility to meet DEFRA’s “Hemp-30” ambition to expand national cultivation of hemp to >80,000 hectares, catalysing jobs, rural investment, and food/fibre security in the UK. 

Charles Clowes from Bud & Tender expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasising the transformative potential of combining academic expertise with industry innovation. “This project exemplifies how academia and business can unite to address critical health challenges. We’re thrilled to collaborate with Leeds Trinity on this pilot that could provide meaningful relief for those suffering from tinnitus while contributing valuable insights to the field of holistic healthcare” said Clowes. 

As the research progresses, Dr James Jackson and Bud & Tender aim to generate valuable insights into the role of CBD in holistic healthcare, offering hope to tinnitus sufferers and demonstrating the power of partnerships in driving innovation. Their work highlights a shared commitment to improving lives through science and collaboration.   

Leeds Trinity University continues to work closely with Bud & Tender to design and execute the pilot research initially examining the effects of consistent CBD product use on tinnitus patients in reducing anxiety. Larger studies are envisioned to assess the broader impact on tinnitus distress, comparing results with current best practices.  

Leeds Trinity’s Dr Jackson said: “This is a prime example of how academic expertise and entrepreneurial innovation can converge to address real-world health challenges. By working closely with Bud & Tender, we’re not only investigating new therapeutic avenues for tinnitus but also showing how science and industry together can create meaningful social impact.” 

Dr Jackson’s expertise and the enthusiasm from Bud & Tender provide a strong foundation to explore the role of CBD in reducing tinnitus-related distress.  

Bud and Tender’s journey highlights the transformative impact of academic collaboration and innovation. By utilising platforms like konfer and government support mechanisms, the company has achieved notable success in product development and research. Their story not only demonstrates the value of partnerships but also serves as an inspiration for other SMEs to explore collaborative opportunities. 

This collaboration with was made by connecting through konfer, the NCUB’s innovation brokerage platform.

Read the collaboration call.