Assessment of Subjective Tinnitus Treatment Results Using a Prototype Device for Electrical and Magnetic Stimulation of the Ear-Preliminary Study

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of subjective tinnitus treatment in patients with cochlear sensorineural hearing loss with magnetic ear stimulation using a prototype device. Since the 1970s, studies have been conducted on the use of electrical stimulation of the ear in the treatment of tinnitus. The available literature contains various hypotheses about the influence of electrical stimulation of the ear on tinnitus. Material and Methods: Preclinical studies were performed for 100 patients, 40 women and 60 men (124 ears in total), aged 38–72 years, treated for tinnitus. A subjective assessment of the loudness of tinnitus was performed, and the frequency and intensity as well as hearing threshold were determined using a prototype device for electro-magnetic stimulation of the ear. The treatment cycle consisted of 10 five-minute stimulations performed daily 5 times a week. Results: Before treatment, persistent tinnitus was found in 100 ears (80.6%) and periodic tinnitus in 24 ears (19.4%). Immediately after treatment, persistent tinnitus was present only in 50 ears (40.3%) and periodic tinnitus in 40 ears (32.3%). Complete resolution of tinnitus was noted in 34 ears (27.4%). On the other hand, the examination performed 3 months after the treatment showed persistent tinnitus in 40 ears (32.3%) and periodic tinnitus in 50 ears (40.3%), and complete resolution of tinnitus was recorded in 34 ears (27.4%). Based on the VAS analog scale, there was an improvement in tinnitus in 98 ears (79.0%) immediately after treatment and no improvement in 26 ears (20.0%). The mean VAS scale before treatment was 4.9 points, after treatment it was 2.1 points and 3 months after treatment it was 1.9 points. Conclusions: The preliminary research results show the high effectiveness of magnetic stimulation in the treatment of tinnitus with the use of a prototype device for electromagnetic stimulation of the ear. There was no negative effect of the stimulation on hearing or tinnitus.