OBJECTIVE:Psychotherapeutic interventions have been adopted effectively in the management of tinnitus for a long time. This study compared mindfulness meditation and relaxation therapy for management of tinnitus.

METHODS:In this randomised controlled trial, patients were recruited for five sessions of mindfulness meditation or five sessions of relaxation therapy. Patients' responses were evaluated using the Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire as a primary outcome measure, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, visual analogue scale and a health status indicator as secondary outcome measures.

RESULTS:A total of 86 patients were recruited. Thirty-four patients completed mindfulness meditation and 27 patients completed relaxation therapy. Statistically significant improvement was seen in all outcome measures except the health status indicator in both treatment groups. The change in treatment scores was greater in the mindfulness meditation group than in the relaxation therapy group.

CONCLUSION:This study suggests that although both mindfulness meditation and relaxation therapy are effective in the management of tinnitus, mindfulness meditation is superior to relaxation therapy.

OBJECTIVE:Psychotherapeutic interventions have been adopted effectively in the management of tinnitus for a long time. This study compared mindfulness meditation and relaxation therapy for management of tinnitus.

METHODS:In this randomised controlled trial, patients were recruited for five sessions of mindfulness meditation or five sessions of relaxation therapy. Patients' responses were evaluated using the Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire as a primary outcome measure, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, visual analogue scale and a health status indicator as secondary outcome measures.

RESULTS:A total of 86 patients were recruited. Thirty-four patients completed mindfulness meditation and 27 patients completed relaxation therapy. Statistically significant improvement was seen in all outcome measures except the health status indicator in both treatment groups. The change in treatment scores was greater in the mindfulness meditation group than in the relaxation therapy group.

CONCLUSION:This study suggests that although both mindfulness meditation and relaxation therapy are effective in the management of tinnitus, mindfulness meditation is superior to relaxation therapy.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of manual/electrical acupuncture treatment on tinnitus in a randomised, single-blinded, placebo-controlled design. Fifty patients (46 males, 4 females) suffering from tinnitus were investigated. The patients were randomly assigned to three groups: a manual acupuncture group (MA), an electrical acupuncture group (EA), and a placebo group (PL). The frequency of tinnitus occurrence, tinnitus intensity, and reduction of life quality were recorded before treatment (Baseline), after 6 treatments (After-Treatment), and 1 month after the completion of treatment (1-Month-After). Standard audiometric tests were conducted on each patient at Baseline and After-Treatment. The patients also provided an overall subjective evaluation of treatment effectiveness at each stage. Eight to ten acupoints were selected at each treatment by an experienced acupuncturist. Six treatments were performed, each separated by an interval of 1 week. Analysis of variance and t-tests were used to statistically compare the data. The frequency of tinnitus occurrence and the tinnitus loudness were significantly decreased After-Treatment compared with Baseline in the EA group (P<0.009). Life quality was improved After-Treatment and at 1-Month-After compared with Baseline in both MA and EA groups (P<0.038). However, no significant differences were detected among the three groups (P>0.079). The audiogram did not show any significant changes after treatment in either group (P>0.091). The overall subjective evaluation indicated significant improvements After-Treatment compared with Baseline in both MA and EA groups (P<0.011). Furthermore, After-Treatment subjective evaluation was significantly better in the EA group compared with either the MA or PL group (P<0.011). These results indicate that there is no statistically significant differential effect of manual or electrical acupuncture on tinnitus treatment efficacy, however, electrical acupuncture does confer some relative advantages.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of manual/electrical acupuncture treatment on tinnitus in a randomised, single-blinded, placebo-controlled design. Fifty patients (46 males, 4 females) suffering from tinnitus were investigated. The patients were randomly assigned to three groups: a manual acupuncture group (MA), an electrical acupuncture group (EA), and a placebo group (PL). The frequency of tinnitus occurrence, tinnitus intensity, and reduction of life quality were recorded before treatment (Baseline), after 6 treatments (After-Treatment), and 1 month after the completion of treatment (1-Month-After). Standard audiometric tests were conducted on each patient at Baseline and After-Treatment. The patients also provided an overall subjective evaluation of treatment effectiveness at each stage. Eight to ten acupoints were selected at each treatment by an experienced acupuncturist. Six treatments were performed, each separated by an interval of 1 week. Analysis of variance and t-tests were used to statistically compare the data. The frequency of tinnitus occurrence and the tinnitus loudness were significantly decreased After-Treatment compared with Baseline in the EA group (P<0.009). Life quality was improved After-Treatment and at 1-Month-After compared with Baseline in both MA and EA groups (P<0.038). However, no significant differences were detected among the three groups (P>0.079). The audiogram did not show any significant changes after treatment in either group (P>0.091). The overall subjective evaluation indicated significant improvements After-Treatment compared with Baseline in both MA and EA groups (P<0.011). Furthermore, After-Treatment subjective evaluation was significantly better in the EA group compared with either the MA or PL group (P<0.011). These results indicate that there is no statistically significant differential effect of manual or electrical acupuncture on tinnitus treatment efficacy, however, electrical acupuncture does confer some relative advantages.

This study investigated the effect, onset, duration of action, and short-term outcomes of acupuncture therapy for treating patients with severe chronic subjective tinnitus.This randomized controlled trial evaluated patients with chronic, idiopathic, and severe tinnitus. A total of 105 participants were divided into 2 groups using a randomization method: a study group who received verum acupuncture therapy ( = 53) and a sham acupuncture group ( = 52). Ten acupuncture sessions were given over 5 weeks. After treatment, each participant was monitored for up to 3 months according to changes on a visual analogue Scale (VAS), and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), and Pure-Tone Audiometry and Speech Discrimination (Interacoustics AC-40, Denmark) scores.The VAS and THI scores were evaluated. A statistically significant difference was noted between the sham and verum acupuncture groups at post-treatment follow-up ( < 0.001). Decreases in the THI and VAS scores became significant in the second week of treatment ( < 0.001 and < 0.001, respectively), but these scores increased again in the third month post-treatment ( < 0.001 and < 0.001, respectively).Acupuncture is an effective treatment for patients with severe chronic subjective tinnitus. Patient complaints, decreased beginning at the second treatment week; however, in the third post-treatment month, the complaints reappeared. Maintenance acupuncture therapy is necessary for patients with tinnitus; this approach should be investigated in future studies.

OBJECTIVE:To compare the clinical therapeutic effects of acupuncture at Jiaji (EX-B 2), Chinese herbs and western medicine on nervous tinnitus.

METHODS:Ninety cases were randomly divided into 3 groups, 30 cases in each group. The acupuncture group were treated with acupuncture at cervical Jiaji (EX-B 2), 20 min each session, once a day, 10 sessions constituting one course; the Chinese herbs group with modified Buzhong Yiqi Decoction (decocted in water), one dose each day, 10 doses constituting one course; the western medicine group with bandazol, Dextran 40, Danshen tablet, and vitamin B12, 10 days constituting one course. After 3 courses, the therapeutic effects were evaluated with criteria of assessment for therapeutic effects.

RESULTS:The effective rates in the 3 groups were 73.3%, 40.0% and 33.3%, respectively, with significant differences among the 3 groups (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION:Acupuncture has obvious therapeutic effect on nervous tinnitus, and acupuncture at cervical Jiaji (EX-B 2) is an effective therapy for nervous tinnitus, and its therapeutic effect is better than those of Chinese herbs and western medicine.

OBJECTIVE:To compare the clinical therapeutic effects of acupuncture at Jiaji (EX-B 2), Chinese herbs and western medicine on nervous tinnitus.

METHODS:Ninety cases were randomly divided into 3 groups, 30 cases in each group. The acupuncture group were treated with acupuncture at cervical Jiaji (EX-B 2), 20 min each session, once a day, 10 sessions constituting one course; the Chinese herbs group with modified Buzhong Yiqi Decoction (decocted in water), one dose each day, 10 doses constituting one course; the western medicine group with bandazol, Dextran 40, Danshen tablet, and vitamin B12, 10 days constituting one course. After 3 courses, the therapeutic effects were evaluated with criteria of assessment for therapeutic effects.

RESULTS:The effective rates in the 3 groups were 73.3%, 40.0% and 33.3%, respectively, with significant differences among the 3 groups (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION:Acupuncture has obvious therapeutic effect on nervous tinnitus, and acupuncture at cervical Jiaji (EX-B 2) is an effective therapy for nervous tinnitus, and its therapeutic effect is better than those of Chinese herbs and western medicine.

INTRODUCTION:Tinnitus is a subjective sensation of hearing a sound in the absence of an external stimulus, which significantly worsens the quality of life in 15-25% of affected individuals.

OBJECTIVE:To assess the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy on tinnitus.

METHODS:Randomized clinical trial with 50 participants with tinnitus, divided into two groups: 25 participants in the acupuncture group (AG) and 25 participants in the control group (CG). The AG received acupuncture treatment and the CG received no treatment. After a period of 5 weeks, they were called to perform the final evaluation and the CG received acupuncture treatment for ethical reasons.

RESULTS:A statistically significant result was found for the primary outcome, reducing the intensity of tinnitus, with p=0.0001 and the secondary endpoint, showing improvement in quality of life, with p=0.0001.

CONCLUSION:Chinese scalp acupuncture associated with bilateral electroacupuncture demonstrated, in the short term, a statistically significant improvement by reducing the level of tinnitus intensity, as well as improving the quality of life of individuals with tinnitus.

OBJECTIVE AND BACKGROUND:Tinnitus is an apparent sound, perceived in the ear with no stimulus. It has been described as a sound originating from the brain. It affects 17% of the general population. Etiological factors for tinnitus include temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ, TMD) and Costen's syndrome. The aim of treatment is to eliminate the tinnitus or at least decrease its apparent volume.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:In total, 46 patients referred to our department with bilateral subjective tinnitus with TMDs were selected for this study. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) with an neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) (1064 nm) laser, LLLT with a diode laser (810 nm), and placebo treatment were applied to the patients. There were 15 patients each in the Nd:YAG and placebo groups and 16 patients in the 810 nm diode laser group. LLLT was applied for 10 days, once per day. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used, withvalues between 0 and 10. VAS scores were recorded before treatment, on the last day of treatment, and 1 month after treatment. The VAS scores were the same on the last day of treatment and 1 month after treatment. The VAS scores before treatment and at 1 month after treatment were compared in a statistical analysis.

RESULTS:There were statistically significant differences in the Nd:YAG laser (p = 0.001) and 810 nm diode laser groups (p = 0.005), but no difference in the placebo group (p = 0.065).

CONCLUSIONS:Both the Nd:YAG and 810 nm diode lasers were effective for the treatment of subjective tinnitus related to TMDs.

UNLABELLED:The treatment of tinnitus is still a challenge. Acupuncture is recommended for the relief of tinnitus in traditional Chinese Medicine, although scientific evidence is lacking.

AIM:The aim of this study was to assess the effect of acupuncture on the cochlear function in patients with tinnitus by analyzing otoacoustic emissions.

METHODS:Thirty eight patients with tinnitus were included in the prospective clinical study. Measures of transitory otoacoustic emissions and suppression of otoacoustic emissions were obtained from all subjects before and after acupuncture. Patients were assigned to one of two groups: intervention group 1 (n=19), in which needle acupuncture was applied at the temporoparietal point corresponding to the vestibulocochlear area, and intervention group 2 (n=19), in which the needle was applied 3 cm cranially to this area (which is not a recognized acupuncture point).

RESULTS:There was a significant difference between the amplitude of otoacoustic emissions assessed before and after acupuncture in intervention group 1. No difference was observed in intervention group 2.

CONCLUSION:Acupuncture had a significant effect on otoacoustic emissions in patients with tinnitus.

UNLABELLED:The treatment of tinnitus is still a challenge. Acupuncture is recommended for the relief of tinnitus in traditional Chinese Medicine, although scientific evidence is lacking.

AIM:The aim of this study was to assess the effect of acupuncture on the cochlear function in patients with tinnitus by analyzing otoacoustic emissions.

METHODS:Thirty eight patients with tinnitus were included in the prospective clinical study. Measures of transitory otoacoustic emissions and suppression of otoacoustic emissions were obtained from all subjects before and after acupuncture. Patients were assigned to one of two groups: intervention group 1 (n=19), in which needle acupuncture was applied at the temporoparietal point corresponding to the vestibulocochlear area, and intervention group 2 (n=19), in which the needle was applied 3 cm cranially to this area (which is not a recognized acupuncture point).

RESULTS:There was a significant difference between the amplitude of otoacoustic emissions assessed before and after acupuncture in intervention group 1. No difference was observed in intervention group 2.

CONCLUSION:Acupuncture had a significant effect on otoacoustic emissions in patients with tinnitus.

OBJECTIVE:To put forward a method for assessing therapeutic effect on tinnitus and to observe the therapeutic effects of acupuncture and continuous multi-point pulse stimulation on subjective tinnitus.

METHODS:Continuous multi-point pulse stimulation was given at Ermen (TE 21)/ Tinggong (SI 19)/ Tinghui (GB 2), Yifeng (TE 17), Shenting (GV 24), Baihui (GV 20), Cong'er No 1-3, etc., once every other day, thrice each week. The therapeutic effects were evaluated with a selfstipulated "tinnitus questionaire".

RESULTS:Of the 98 cases, 11 cases were cured, 36 cases were markedly effective, 28 cases were effective and 23 cases were ineffective with a cured rate of 11.2% and a total effective rate of 76.5%.

CONCLUSION:Combined acupuncture and continuous multi-point pulse stimulation has a better therapeutic effect on subjective tinnitus.

OBJECTIVE:To put forward a method for assessing therapeutic effect on tinnitus and to observe the therapeutic effects of acupuncture and continuous multi-point pulse stimulation on subjective tinnitus.

METHODS:Continuous multi-point pulse stimulation was given at Ermen (TE 21)/ Tinggong (SI 19)/ Tinghui (GB 2), Yifeng (TE 17), Shenting (GV 24), Baihui (GV 20), Cong'er No 1-3, etc., once every other day, thrice each week. The therapeutic effects were evaluated with a selfstipulated "tinnitus questionaire".

RESULTS:Of the 98 cases, 11 cases were cured, 36 cases were markedly effective, 28 cases were effective and 23 cases were ineffective with a cured rate of 11.2% and a total effective rate of 76.5%.

CONCLUSION:Combined acupuncture and continuous multi-point pulse stimulation has a better therapeutic effect on subjective tinnitus.

OBJECTIVE: Tinnitus is a frequent disorder which is very difficult to treat. Qigong is a mindful exercise and an important constituent of traditional Chinese medical practice. Here we performed a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of a Qigong intervention on patients with tinnitus. We hypothesized that especially tinnitus patients with somatosensoric components may benefit from the mind-body technique of Qigong.

METHODS: Eighty patients with tinnitus of at least 3 months duration were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n=40) consisting of 10 Qigong training sessions in 5 weeks or a waiting-list control group (n=40). Tinnitus severity was assessed with a visual analogue scale (VAS) and with a tinnitus questionnaire (TBF-12) before treatment, immediately after treatment, and 1 and 3 months after treatment.

RESULTS: Qigong did not cause any side effects and was completed by 80% of the assigned patients. Compared with the control group, Qigong participants experienced improvement in tinnitus severity, as reflected by a significant reduction in both the VAS and the TBF-12. In the subgroup of patients with somatosensoric tinnitus, Qigong effects were more pronounced, resulting in a highly significant improvement in both scales compared to the waiting-list group.

CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that Qigong interventions could be a useful complement to the therapeutic management of patients with tinnitus and especially for those with somatosensoric components. Satisfaction with the intervention, a high degree of completion, and stability of the effects for at least 3 months after the intervention further underscore the potential of Qigong in the treatment of tinnitus.