Transdermal electrical stimulation in sensorineural tinnitus

In 73 patients composing 84 ears, with persistent decompensated tinnitus and sensorineural deafness, tinnitus suppression was attempted with low frequency, low ampere transdermal electrical stimulation (TDES). The causes of tinnitus were presbyacusis, unknown aetiology, Noise exposure, otosclerosis, ototoxic drugs, Endolymphatic hydrops, labyrinthitis and post head injury. Reduction of tinnitus was achieved in 38 of 84 ears. Results were achieved in patients with the following order. 1) Unknown aetiology 53.3% 2) Ototoxic drugs 50% 3) Presbyacusis 45% 4) Labyrinthitis 40% 5) Post head injury, Endolymphatic hydrops & otosclerosis 33.3% each. The lasting effect of the tinnitus suppression varied from few hours to few weeks. Effective reduction could be re-achieved by re-stimulation.