Healthy lifestyle consultation based on traditional Chinese medicine versus routine patient education in the treatment of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss after failure of systemic therapy: study protocol for a clinical randomised trial

Abstract

BackgroundIdiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is a major cause of deafness. Despite the advances in systemic therapy, some cases of ISSNHL are untreated, because the exact ISSNHL aetiology is unclear. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used to treat diseases for thousands of years and is popular and widely practiced in Asia. TCM includes guidance on a healthy lifestyle. In recent decades, the relationship between lifestyle and disease has been emphasised; an unhealthy lifestyle may lead to illnesses. Thus, this study aims to compare the efficacy of lifestyle modification based on TCM with the usual consultation of ISSNHL after failure of a 2-week systemic therapy to provide a scientific basis for clinical decisions.MethodsThis study is a clinical randomised trial that involves 56 patients diagnosed with ISSNHL but who have had incomplete recovery after initial management (at least 2 weeks of routine Western medical treatment). The study is performed in accordance with the sudden hearing loss clinical guideline of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, published in 2012. Participants are randomly distributed into two groups: the healthy lifestyle modification group based on TCM and the control group (1:1 ratio). Patient follow-up lasts for 3 months. The primary outcome measure is the effective rate of hearing improvement, which is defined as the proportion of patients with at least 15 dB of improvement in the average thresholds of hearing loss frequency. The secondary outcome measures are improvements in word recognition score, Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and visual analogue scale for ear blockage and dizziness. Assessments are made at baseline and after lifestyle modification for 1 and 3 months.DiscussionThe efficacy of healthy lifestyle modification based on a TCM programme for patients with ISSNHL with incomplete recovery after failure of initial systemic therapy is determined in this trial. Positive results will provide clinical evidence on the effects of a TCM-based healthy lifestyle, which could be recommended as salvage therapy for patients with ISSNHL.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-INR-17011459. Registered on 22 May 2017.

Effect of mecobalamin combined with holographic copper acupuncture and scraping technique on tinnitus symptoms in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss

“…Holistic copper acupuncture and scraping therapy for the ear is based on the theory of holistic health and the principles of Li's copper acupuncture and scraping therapy [15]. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the main principle of scraping therapy is to stimulate specific acupoints on the body's surface to promote the flow of meridians and channels, regulate the circulation of qi and blood, expel external pathogens, eliminate toxins, and address both the root and branch of the illness, as well as tonify deficiencies and disperse stagnation [16].…”

Research progress on the treatment and nursing of sensorineural hearing loss

“…In addition to drug therapy, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is also an effective treatment for SNHL ( Fei et al, 2019 ). TCM treatment involves internal medicine, acupuncture, and ear acupressure therapy, which regulate the meridians and promote the exchange of substances between blood and the labyrinth, allowing for repair and regeneration of the inner ear and improvement of the patient’s hearing level.…”