Transmeatal Low-Level Laser Therapy for Chronic Tinnitus with Cochlear Dysfunction

Abstract

Objectives: To establish the efficacy of low-level laser therapy for tinnitus. Methods: We performed a prospective, randomized double-blind study on 60 outpatients with tinnitus presenting sensorineural hearing loss in the affected ear. They were randomly divided into two groups, the first performing active laser therapy 20 min a day for 3 months with a 650-nm, 5-mW soft laser (group L), the second using a dummy device which duplicated all aspects of active laser therapy except for the activation of the laser beam (group C). One subject in both groups dropped out due to an increase in tinnitus loudness. Two more patients in each group ceased to comply with the protocol due to familiar problems. Results: The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) was considered the main outcome measure; no statistical difference was detected between the 2 groups in the THI total score (p = 0.97), and its functional (p = 0.89), emotional (p = 0.89) and catastrophic (p = 0.89) subscales. Moreover, a visual analog scale for self-perceived loudness of the tinnitus showed no difference between the groups (p = 0.69). Regarding psychoacoustic parameters, the minimum masking level showed no difference (p = 0.42), while loudness expressed in sensation level exhibited lower values in group L (p = 0.0127). Group L subjects also presented a decreased rate of hyperacusis (p = 0.02). No changes were detected in the audiometric threshold in both groups. Conclusions: Soft laser therapy demonstrated no efficacy as a therapeutic measure for tinnitus.

Alterations in Auditory Electrophysiological Responses Associated With Temporary Suppression of Tinnitus Induced by Low-Level Laser Therapy: A Before-After Case Series

“…The statistical analyzes revealed significant differences for subjective evaluating parameters and CAP amplitude. In contrast to the findings of Nakashima et al, 18 Mirz et al, 19 and Teggi et al, 20 we found significant differences for subjective tests consisting of VAS for loudness, LMT, TQ and THI pre-to post-treatment. Consistent with Okhovat et al, 21 Tauber et al, 10 Cuda and De Caria, 14 Hahn et al 24 and Salahaldin et al, 16 an improvement in VAS, THI and reduction in loudness were reported pre-to post-LLLT in subjective descriptions of tinnitus.…”

“…12 It has also been reported to decrease tinnitus loudness and annoyance. [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21] The exact mechanism is unknown. LLLT has been assumed to be a thermal stimulator of biochemical processes in the inner ear.…”

Die Behandlung von Patienten mit muskuloskelettalen Beschwerden mittels Leistungslaser. Eine Anwendungsbeobachtung an 120 Patienten

“…Zur Anwendung bei Tinnitus fi nden sich mehrere randomisierte und kontrollierte Studien mit (Gungor et al 2008) und ohne Wirkungsnachweis (Teggi et al 2009). Auch fi nden sich Studien die einen Wirkungsnachweis bei R ü ckenschmerzen erbringen (Basford et al 1999 …”

Tinnitus

“…We found two later RCTs of laser therapy (20 minutes daily for 3 months) versus sham laser 15,16. In the first trial (n=46), all patients received hypnotherapy and muscle relaxation 15.…”