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A Laser-induced Mouse Model of Chronic Ocular Hypertension to Characterize Visual Defects
Published on: August 14, 2013
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Medium-level laser in chronic tinnitus treatment
K Dejakum1, J Piegger, C Plewka
1ENT Department, Regional Hospital, Endach 27, 6330 Kufstein, Austria.
Biomed Research International
|December 3, 2013
Summary
Medium-level laser therapy showed minimal temporary relief for chronic tinnitus patients. This study found no significant difference compared to placebo, suggesting it
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Medical Physics
Background:
- Chronic tinnitus is a prevalent condition impacting quality of life.
- Current treatment options for chronic tinnitus offer limited efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effectiveness of medium-level laser therapy (MLT) for chronic tinnitus.
- To compare MLT against a placebo in a double-blind, controlled trial.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 48 chronic tinnitus patients.
- Active laser (450 mW, 830 nm Ga-Al-As diode laser) or placebo irradiation applied to the cochlea via the external acoustic meatus.
- Outcomes assessed using the Goebel tinnitus questionnaire, visual analogue scales (VAS) for loudness and annoyance, and psycho-acoustic tinnitus matching.
Main Results:
- A very moderate and temporary improvement in tinnitus symptoms was observed.
- No statistically significant differences were found between the active laser group and the placebo group.
- Patient-reported outcomes and psycho-acoustic measures did not show significant treatment effects.
Conclusions:
- Medium-level laser therapy, under the tested regime and patient numbers, is not considered an effective treatment for chronic tinnitus.
- Further research with larger cohorts may be warranted, but current evidence is limited.
- The study highlights the need for robust evidence-based treatments for chronic tinnitus.
