Electrical tinnitus suppression: a double-blind crossover study

Abstract

A wearable device for transcutaneous electrical tinnitus suppression (ETS) has recently been reported to be effective for relief of tinnitus. Twenty patients with sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus participated in a double-blind crossover study. Both active devices and internally disconnected placebo devices, supplied by the manufacturer, were used. Reduction in severity of tinnitus was reported by 2 of 20 patients (10%) with the active device and by 4 of 20 (20%) with the placebo device. Fifteen of 20 (75%) had no relief with either device. Those who preferred the placebo device, however, reported only minimal relief, while one of the two who preferred the active device stated it had reduced tinnitus severity by 70% to 80%. This patient was recalled for a series of one-hour test sessions, during which either an active or placebo device was used, according to a random schedule. On each of four on trials, the score for severity of tinnitus for each ear decreased by at least 50% (median = 70%), while in three off trials, the severity of tinnitus was unchanged or decreased by up to 30% (median = 16%). We conclude that the Theraband headset is effective for a small proportion of patients with sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus.