[Newest therapeutic approaches for chronic tinnitus]

Abstract

In the majority of cases, tinnitus derives primarily peripherally, from damage to hair cells in the inner ear; suffering and annoyance, however, are caused by central cortical processing and functional networks of cerebral plasticity. Therefore, new therapeutic approaches aim to influence these structures; whether it be directly by magnetic radiation, or via direct or indirect electrical stimulation. However, these methods can only be efficient if they can integrate and rehabilitate the existing hearing loss. Effective habituation therapies consist of hearing therapy, rehabilitation of hearing loss by hearing aids and psychosomatic stabilisation. In this review, different therapeutic approaches are described and valuated.