Acupuncture in the management of tinnitus: A placebo controlled study
Item
Title
Acupuncture in the management of tinnitus: A placebo controlled study
Author(s)
Date
1994
volume
33()
pages
351-360
Research Type
RCT
Keywords
Abstract
The present study was performed on 20 patients randomly selected from a large group with noise-induced tinnitus in order to investigate the effect of acupuncture on their tinnitus. The patients were divided into two groups. One group first received classical Chinese needle acupuncture for 5 weeks, and the other was given a placebo procedure; after a 2-week interval, the procedures were reversed. A single-blind cross-over design was used. Acupuncture was given by a Chinese otolaryngologist around the ear as well as at distal points on the extremities. Placebo consisted of mock electrical stimulation via surface electrodes connected to a Chinese electro-acupuncture stimulator which delivered a weak sound and a light flash at a frequency of 2 Hz but no current to the surface electrodes. The effect was evaluated by the use of visual analogue scales. No significant difference between acupuncture and placebo was found in annoyance, awareness or loudness of the tinnitus. Many patients indicated a preference for acupuncture due to unspecific effects such as improved sleep, decreased muscle tension and improved blood circulation. It is concluded that acupuncture has no specific alleviating effect on noise-induced tinnitus.
Number of Participants
20
has health condition studied
Ear Diseases
plan
>1/WK
has study population number
20
has duration
5 Weeks