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Systematic Review on Intra- and Extracochlear Electrical Stimulation for Tinnitus
Kelly K S Assouly1,2,3, Max J Dullaart1, Robert J Stokroos1,2
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Brain Sciences
|November 27, 2021
Summary
Electrical stimulation of the auditory nerve shows promise for tinnitus relief. However, research limitations mean optimal stimulation patterns for treating tinnitus are not yet established.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Otolaryngology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Tinnitus relief through auditory nerve electrical stimulation lacks a consensus on effective patterns.
- Existing research explores both intra- and extracochlear stimulation methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review literature on intra- and extracochlear electrical stimulation for tinnitus treatment.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of non-standardized electrical stimulation patterns for tinnitus relief.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review including 34 studies (10 intracochlear, 25 extracochlear).
- Inclusion criteria focused on non-standardized electrical stimulation for tinnitus, excluding cochlear implant rehabilitation for hearing loss.
- Studies were assessed for risk of bias, with many showing high to medium levels.
Main Results:
- All included studies reported subjective tinnitus improvement with electrical stimulation.
- Intracochlear stimulation involved 89 patients, while extracochlear stimulation involved 1109 patients.
- Significant risk of bias was noted in 22 studies due to methodological limitations.
Conclusions:
- Electrical stimulation, both intra- and extracochlear, demonstrates potential for subjective tinnitus improvement.
- Methodological limitations and low reporting quality hinder definitive conclusions on optimal stimulation patterns.
- Further research is needed to understand tinnitus suppression mechanisms and optimize electrical stimulation therapies.
