Transcutaneous electrical stimulation of subjective tinnitus. A placebo-controlled, randomized and comparative analysis

Kapkin O, Satar B, Yetiser S.

Department of ORL and HNS, Gulhane Medical School, Ankara, Turkey.

AIM: The effect of the transcutaneous application of the electrical stimulus on tinnitus perception has been reviewed in a placebo-controlled, randomized and comparative analysis to eventually determine the outcome of the therapeutic role of the therapy.

METHOD: There are 42 patients who were randomized into 2 groups according to their order of admission. Group A consists of 31 patients who were subjected to transcutaneous electrical stimulation 3 times a week for 1 month. Group B includes 11 patients who had electrical stimulus attachment but where no stimulus was given (placebo group). The stimulator is a custom-made device which generates direct and alternative current in 10-200 Hz frequency. An alternative low-frequency (not >100 Hz) pulsed current was used for tinnitus therapy through a preauricular skin electrode. The amplitude of stimulus ranged between 50 and 2,000 mA. The pulse frequency was 30 Hz. Each session lasted for 25 min for both groups. Statistical analysis was performed.

RESULT: The rate of improvement following the therapy was 42.8% (18/42) in the electrical therapy group and 28.5% (4/14) in the placebo group.

CONCLUSION: Electrical suppression of the tinnitus does not offer a promising outcome for patients with tinnitus in the presented study. 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel