[Results of tinnitus therapy using lidocaine iontophoresis]

54 patients with severe tinnitus were treated by lidocaine iontophoresis. 25 patients suffered from a bilateral tinnitus. A total of 75 ears were treated. The ratio of male to female patients was 3:1. The average age was 45 years. All patients had got over at least one ineffective treatment. Prior to iontophoresis a complete audiologic, neuro-otologic and x-ray examination of the temporal bones was performed. In all patients the frequency and intensity of tinnitus were determined before and immediately after a treatment. In 44 patients there was no difference in their tinnitus after the treatment. In one patient the tinnitus has become lower by the iontophoresis. The value of this method in tinnitus therapy is discussed.