Therapeutic Effect of Electrical Stimulation on Chronic Tinnitus: A Double Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Chronic tinnitus is a disturbing condition that may affect different aspects of life. In this study, the therapeutic effect of electrical stimulation on chronic tinnitus was assessed. This was a clinical trial on 49 patients with persistent tinnitus for more than 6 months without a proper response to routine treatments. They were randomly allocated into two groups: the case group was treated with electrical stimulation for 6 sessions over 6 consecutive days, and the control group received a placebo. Before the intervention, one week and three months after the treatment sessions, patients were evaluated by comprehensive audiological assessments and hearing tests. The mean age of the participants was 40.37±9.32 and 41.35±9.24 in treatment and placebo groups, respectively. Tinnitus intensity was significantly decreased in the case group one week and three months after the treatment (P<0.05). Tinnitus handicap inventory score significantly decreased in the treatment group one week and three months after the treatment (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in tinnitus intensity after treatment, considering gender, age, tinnitus duration, and tinnitus type. Electrical stimulation could significantly reduce the severity of the tinnitus regardless of age, gender, duration, and type of tinnitus. © 2020 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved. Acta Med Iran 2020;58(1):4-8.