[The lidocaine test in tinnitus. Determination of its current status]

Intravenous administration of high doses of lidocaine has been used as a treatment modality for tinnitus. From 1991 to 1992 we treated 108 patients with high-dose lidocaine and had each patient complete a special tinnitus questionnaire. The effects of therapy were estimated on patients' subjective responses concerning loudness, suppression, stress relationships and mastering of tinnitus. These parameters were recorded before and after 5 days of lidocaine therapy. Quantification of tinnitus in acute and chronic disease showed significant temporary diminution of tinnitus in all patients. Complete alleviation of tinnitus was so impressive that personal attitudes concerning tinnitus were changed. These findings demonstrated that lidocaine was a useful strategy for significant relief of symptoms due to tinnitus.