Neuropuncture, an Effective Treatment Method for Patients with Subjective Tinnitus Accompanied with Hearing Loss: Case Reports

Abstract

Background: Tinnitus is a serious health condition. It can be debilitating and as such negatively affects a patient's quality of life. People with tinnitus often experience distress, depression, anxiety, frequent mood swings, sleep disturbances, irritability, frustration, poor concentration, and possible suicidal thoughts or actions. Objective: The goal of this article is to introduce an acupuncture system, based on neurophysiology and termed Neuropuncture, as a possible effective treatment method for tinnitus accompanied with and/or secondary to hearing loss. The treatment protocol works by targeting the greater auricular nerve, trigeminal nerve, cervical plexus, and auditory cortex to neuromodulate, neurorehabilitate, and neuroregulate the nervous system and repair the nerve damage. Design: Three case studies are presented herein as examples. They are based on neurophysiologic mechanism of tinnitus and hearing loss, treatment principle, treatment methods, and subjective and clinically objective tests. Electroacupuncture protocols used various frequencies with microcurrent and millicurrent stimulation. Conclusions: Neuropuncture system is an effective treatment for patients with acute and chronic subjective tinnitus and hearing loss. Results showed reduction of tinnitus and partial restoration of hearing loss. Further research and possible large-scale trial studies are suggested.