Transmeatal low-power laser irradiation for tinnitus

To evaluate effectiveness of 60-mW laser irradiation in the treatment of tinnitus. Prospective, randomized double-blind study. This investigation included 68 ears in 45 patients with disabling unilateral or bilateral tinnitus. The active or placebo laser treatment was administered transmeatally once a week for 6 minutes. Laser irradiation was performed four times during a 4-week period. A questionnaire was administered to evaluate the loudness, duration, quality, and annoyance of tinnitus before and after irradiation. The loudness and pitch match for tinnitus were obtained, and distortion product otoacoustic emissions were also examined. No significant difference was observed between the active and placebo laser groups with regard to outcome of loudness, duration, quality, and annoyance of tinnitus. In one patient who received active laser treatment, acute hearing deterioration occurred after the third irradiation. Transmeatal low-power laser irradiation with 60 mW is not effective for the treatment of tinnitus.