Abstract

Abstract - Chronic tinnitus is a disturbing condition that may affect different aspects of life. In this study, the therapeutic effect of electrical stimulation on chronic tinnitus was assessed. This was a clinical trial on 49 patients with persistent tinnitus for more than 6 months without a proper response to routine treatments. They were randomly allocated into two groups: the case group w as treated with electrica l stimulation for 6 sessions over 6 consecutive days , and the control group received a placebo. Before the intervention, one week and three months after the treatment sessions, patients were evaluated by comprehensive audiological assessments and hearing t ests. The m ean age of the participants was 40.37± 9.32 and 41.35±9.24 in treatment and placebo groups, respectively. Tinnitus intensity was significantly decreased in the case group one week and thre e months after the treatment ( P < 0.05). Tinnitus handicap inventory score significantly decreased in the treatment group one week and three months af ter the treatment ( P <0.05). There was no significant difference in tinnitus intensity after treatment , considering gender, age, tinnitus dur ation , and tinnitus type . Electrical stimulation could significantly reduce the severity of the tinnitus regardless of age, gender, duration , and type of tinnitus. © 2020 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved. Acta Med Iran 20 20 ;5 8 ( 1 ): 4 - 8 . Key words: Tinnitus ; Electrical s timulation ; Hearing i mpairment ; T innitus handicap inventory ( THI