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Tinnitus Rehabilitation Through Electrical Stimulation as a Neuromodulation Method: A Scoping Review
Manoosh Sobhany1, Younes Lotfi1, Saeed Talebian2
1Department of Audiology, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Summary
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) shows mixed results for tinnitus relief. While many studies report symptom improvement, standardized parameters are needed for effective tinnitus management.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Audiology
- Medical Engineering
Background:
- Tinnitus affects 10-15% of the global population, characterized by sound perception without external sources.
- Electrical stimulation, particularly tDCS, presents variable outcomes in alleviating tinnitus symptoms.
- This review examines tDCS effectiveness and optimal parameters for tinnitus rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical effectiveness of tDCS for tinnitus.
- To identify ideal stimulation parameters for tDCS in tinnitus rehabilitation.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
- Searched PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar (1990-2024).
- Included controlled, randomized trials of tDCS for tinnitus rehabilitation.
Main Results:
- 14 articles were selected; 12 reported symptom improvement with tDCS.
- Typical tDCS parameters: 10 sessions, 10-20 min duration, 1-2 mA intensity.
- Stimulation targeted the auditory cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC).
Conclusions:
- tDCS is a potentially effective tinnitus management tool for some individuals.
- Lack of standardized stimulus parameters is a key challenge.
- Further large-scale, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials are recommended to establish optimal tDCS parameters.
