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Raj-Koziak D, Gos E, Kutyba J, Ganc M, Jedrzejczak WW, Skarzynski PH, Skarzynski H. Effectiveness of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation for the treatment of tinnitus: an interventional prospective controlled study. Int J Audiol 2024; 63:250-259. [PMID: 36799648 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2023.2177894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this interventional non-randomised prospective controlled study was to assess the effectiveness of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) in human subjects with tinnitus. DESIGN The ParasymTM tVNS device was paired with an auditory stimulation. Treatment and observations were conducted over 12 weeks. Audiological evaluation was performed. Responses from a set of questionnaires and quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) before and after treatment were collected. Voice measurements were done to assess possible side-effects of tVNS. STUDY SAMPLE The study involved 29 adults who had chronic tinnitus (15 patients who underwent tVNS paired with sounds and a control group of 14 patients who did not). RESULTS In general, subjective and objective measurements of tinnitus showed no improvement in the study group compared to the controls, although certain parameters as gauged by the questionnaires did statistically improve. The loudness and frequency of tinnitus remained the same in both groups. For the qEEG, activity in the theta band increased significantly in the study group compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS The tVNS was not effective in reducing tinnitus symptoms in our study group. However, changes in the theta band suggest there might be cortical effects that might, with sustained treatment, lead to improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danuta Raj-Koziak
- Tinnitus Department, World Hearing Center, Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Gos
- Department of Teleaudiology and Screening, World Hearing Center, Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Justyna Kutyba
- Department of Teleaudiology and Screening, World Hearing Center, Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Ganc
- Department of Experimental Audiology, World Hearing Center, Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, Warsaw, Poland
| | - W Wiktor Jedrzejczak
- Department of Experimental Audiology, World Hearing Center, Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr H Skarzynski
- Department of Teleaudiology and Screening, World Hearing Center, Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, Warsaw, Poland
- Heart Failure and Cardiac Rehabilitation Department, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- Institute of Sensory Organs, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Henryk Skarzynski
- Department of Otorhinolaryngosurgery, World Hearing Center, Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, Warsaw, Poland
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Cacace AT, Berri B. Blast Overpressures as a Military and Occupational Health Concern. Am J Audiol 2023; 32:779-792. [PMID: 37713532 DOI: 10.1044/2023_aja-23-00125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This tutorial reviews effects of environmental stressors like blast overpressures and other well-known acoustic contaminants (continuous, intermittent, and impulsive noise) on hearing, tinnitus, vestibular, and balance-related functions. Based on the overall outcome of these effects, detailed consideration is given to the health and well-being of individuals. METHOD Because hearing loss and tinnitus are consequential in affecting quality of life, novel neuromodulation paradigms are reviewed for their positive abatement and treatment-related effects. Examples of clinical data, research strategies, and methodological approaches focus on repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve paired with tones (VNSt) for their unique contributions to this area. RESULTS Acoustic toxicants transmitted through the atmosphere are noteworthy for their propensity to induce hearing loss and tinnitus. Mounting evidence also indicates that high-level rapid onset changes in atmospheric sound pressure can significantly impact vestibular and balance function. Indeed, the risk of falling secondary to loss of, or damage to, sensory receptor cells in otolith organs (utricle and saccule) is a primary reason for this concern. As part of the complexities involved in VNSt treatment strategies, vocal dysfunction may also manifest. In addition, evaluation of temporospatial gait parameters is worthy of consideration based on their ability to detect and monitor incipient neurological disease, cognitive decline, and mortality. CONCLUSION Highlighting these respective areas underscores the need to enhance information exchange among scientists, clinicians, and caregivers on the benefits and complications of these outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony T Cacace
- Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
| | - Batoul Berri
- Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
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Wu D, Liu B, Wu Y, Wang Y, Sun J, Yang J, Duan J, Liu G, Cao K, Zhang Y, Rong P. Meniere Disease treated with transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation combined with betahistine Mesylate: A randomized controlled trial. Brain Stimul 2023; 16:1576-1584. [PMID: 37838094 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2023.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Meniere Disease is a clinical condition defined by hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness symptoms, there are currently no any medications approved for its treatment. OBJECTIVE To determine whether taVNS as an adjunctive therapy could relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life in patients with Meniere disease. METHODS In this Single-center, single blind, randomized trial, participants were assigned to transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) group and sham taVNS group. The primary outcome measures comprised Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, Dizziness Handicap Inventory, Pure Tone Auditory, Visual analogue scale of aural fullness. Secondary outcome measures comprised the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, video head impulse test, and the caloric test. RESULTS After 12 weeks, the THI (-11.00, 95%CI, -14.87 to -7.13; P < 0.001), DHI (-47.26, 95%CI, -50.23 to -44.29; P < 0.001), VAS of aural fullness (-2.22, 95%CI, -2.95 to -1.49; P<0.01), and Pure Tone Thresholds (-7.07, 95%CI, -9.07 to -5.06; P<0.001) were significantly differed between the two groups. In addition, SF36(14.72, 95%CI, 11.06 to 18.39; P < 0.001), vHIT (RD, 0.26, 95 % CI, -0.44 to -0.08, RR, 0.43, 95 % CI, 0.22 to 0.83, P < 0.01), and the caloric test (RD, -0.24, 95 % CI, -0.43 to -0.04, RR, 0.66, 95 % CI, 0.44 to 0.95, P = 0.02) have significant difference between two group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that taVNS combined with Betahistine Mesylate relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients with Meniere Disease. taVNS can be considered an adjunctive therapy in treatment of Meniere Disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05328895.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Institute of Otolaryngology, Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (Capital Medical University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Yunqing Wu
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jingyi Sun
- Department of Oncology, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Beijing Institute of Otolaryngology, Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (Capital Medical University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Jinping Duan
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Gang Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Cao
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Institute of Otolaryngology, Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (Capital Medical University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Peijing Rong
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Mazurek B, Hesse G, Sattel H, Kratzsch V, Lahmann C, Dobel C. S3 Guideline: Chronic Tinnitus : German Society for Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery e. V. (DGHNO-KHC). HNO 2022; 70:795-827. [PMID: 36227338 PMCID: PMC9581878 DOI: 10.1007/s00106-022-01207-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Mazurek
- Tinnituszentrum, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Gerhard Hesse
- Tinnitus-Klinik, KH Bad Arolsen, Große Allee 50, 34454, Bad Arolsen, Germany.
- Universität Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany.
| | - Heribert Sattel
- Klinikum rechts der Isar, Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Technical University of Munich, Langerstr. 3, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Volker Kratzsch
- Abt. Hörbehinderung, Tinnitus und Schwindelerkrankungen, VAMED Rehaklinik Bad Grönenbach, Sebastian-Kneipp-Allee 3-5, 87730, Bad Grönenbach, Germany
| | - Claas Lahmann
- Klinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Hauptstr. 8, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christian Dobel
- Klinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
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Sirh SJ, Sirh SW, Mun HY, Sirh HM. Integrative Treatment for Tinnitus Combining Repeated Facial and Auriculotemporal Nerve Blocks With Stimulation of Auditory and Non-auditory Nerves. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:758575. [PMID: 35299621 PMCID: PMC8923298 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.758575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundTinnitus is a prevalent condition (>10% of the population) affecting the quality of life of 0.5–3% of the population. Although several treatments have been proposed, most of these lack evidence of efficacy in the treatment of chronic tinnitus. Thus, we aimed to evaluate an integrative treatment strategy for subacute and chronic tinnitus.MethodsThis retrospective chart review study included 55 patients with tinnitus (subacute, n = 15; chronic, n = 40) who underwent repeated nerve blocks after stimulation of the trigeminal (V) and facial (VII) nerves to modulate the auditory and non-auditory nervous systems via the vestibulocochlear (VIII) cranial nerve pathways. We used a simplified smiley tinnitus-visual analog scale (T-VAS) with scores ranging from 0 to 10 combining the effect of tinnitus loudness, distress, and quality of life as the outcome measure to evaluate the efficacy of our treatment method. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS (version 18.0, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, United States), one-way and two-way analysis of variance.ResultsIn more than 87.5% of patients (14/15 subacute, 35/40 chronic), tinnitus disappeared or had significantly reduced by the end of the treatment. The mean T-VAS score reduced significantly from 7.13 to 0.60 in the subacute group and from 7.73 to 1.53 in the chronic group by the end of treatment (p < 0.05). The benefits were maintained after treatment cessation and at the 1-year follow-up. The average number of treatment procedures was 9.8 ± 3.589 (range, 5–15) in the subacute group and 9.775 ± 3.717 (range, 5–18) in the chronic group.ConclusionOur results show that the proposed integrative approach is highly effective in treating subacute and chronic tinnitus and represents a promising therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Ji Sirh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sirh’s Private Pain Clinic, Seoul, South Korea
| | - So Woon Sirh
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Wiltse Memorial Hospital, Suwon-si, South Korea
| | - Hah Yong Mun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yangju Armed Forces Hospital, Yangju-si, South Korea
| | - Heon Man Sirh
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Sirh’s Private Pain Clinic, Seoul, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Heon Man Sirh,
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Yakunina N, Nam EC. Direct and Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Treatment of Tinnitus: A Scoping Review. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:680590. [PMID: 34122002 PMCID: PMC8193498 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.680590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent animal research has shown that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) paired with sound stimuli can induce neural plasticity in the auditory cortex in a controlled manner. VNS paired with tones excluding the tinnitus frequency eliminated physiological and behavioral characteristics of tinnitus in noise-exposed rats. Several clinical trials followed and explored the effectiveness of VNS paired with sound stimuli for alleviating tinnitus in human subjects. Transcutaneous VNS (tVNS) has received increasing attention as a non-invasive alternative approach to tinnitus treatment. Several studies have also explored tVNS alone (not paired with sound stimuli) as a potential therapy for tinnitus. In this review, we discuss existing knowledge about direct and tVNS in terms of applicability, safety, and effectiveness in diminishing tinnitus symptoms in human subjects. This review includes all existing clinical and neuroimaging studies of tVNS alone or paired with acoustic stimulation in tinnitus patients and outlines the present limitations that must be overcome to maximize the potential of (t)VNS as a therapy for tinnitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Yakunina
- Institute of Medical Science, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Eui-Cheol Nam
- Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, South Korea
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