Low-level laser therapy has been found to be the most effective treatment for tinnitus, according to a study conducted by the Optics and Photonics Research Center in Brazil. Researchers compared the main therapies currently used for tinnitus and found that laser acupuncture and transmeatal low-power laser stimulation outperformed other treatments over a four-week trial period. This study could have significant implications for the development of standard treatment protocols using laser therapy.
Tinnitus, a condition characterized by ringing or hissing in the ears, affects an estimated 750 million people worldwide. It is considered a symptom rather than a disease, but can be unpleasant and even incapacitating for some individuals. The known causes of tinnitus range from a buildup of earwax to brain damage, and there are currently no standard treatments or drugs approved by the FDA.
The recent study conducted by Brazilian researchers aimed to compare the effectiveness of different therapies commonly used for tinnitus. Over 100 men and women aged 18-65 were randomly divided into ten groups and treated with various therapies including laser acupuncture, flunarizine dihydrochloride, Ginkgo biloba, and low-level laser stimulation. They received twice-weekly treatment sessions over a four-week period.
The researchers assessed the patients using a questionnaire before the start of treatment, after the eighth session, and two weeks later. The best outcomes were observed in patients treated with laser acupuncture alone and transmeatal low-power laser stimulation alone. The positive effects of these treatments include anti-inflammatory action, relaxation, increased peripheral irrigation, and stimulation of inner ear cell proliferation and collagen production.
While this study is not the only one to show the benefits of laser therapy for tinnitus, it provides valuable insights for the development of standardized treatment protocols. Currently, the number of treatment sessions and the intensity of the treatment can vary greatly in the literature. Creating a protocol for use by medical practitioners such as dentists, ear, nose, and throat specialists, and speech therapists could ensure more consistent and effective treatment for tinnitus patients.
Researcher Vitor Hugo Panhóca emphasizes the importance of understanding successful therapies to focus on the most productive approaches in future studies. Additionally, investigating the long-term effects of laser therapy is crucial. The study was supported by FAPESP and conducted in collaboration with researchers from various institutions in Brazil and Ireland.
This groundbreaking study provides promising evidence for the efficacy of low-level laser therapy in treating tinnitus. With further research and the development of standardized treatment protocols, millions of individuals worldwide could benefit from this innovative and effective therapy for tinnitus.