gms | German Medical Science

Inroduction: Acoustic CR neuromodulation has been developed to counteract pathological tinnitus-related neuronal synchrony by desynchronization inducing an unlearning of pathological synaptic connectivity and neuronal synchrony. Here we report the first treatment experience in „real life“.

Methods: 91 patients suffering from chronic tonal tinnitus ( 0.2–10 kHz), with a hearing loss <80 dB were started on CR neuromodulation therapy in a specialized ENT practice. After individual adaption of the CR stimuli (pitch, loudness) adjustments were performed after 2, 4, 8, 12, 18, 26 weeks of treatment. Audiologic and psychometric measurements (German version of the TQ and VAS ) were performed at baseline, 3 and 6 months.

Results: 10 patients dropped out, 13 used the product return option after 3 months. 70 patients (male:female 3:1; 50% >60 years of age, duration of the tinnitus >5 years in more than 2/3) used it >6 months. A baseline TQ based tinnitus severity showed approximately 1/3 of patients with mild, 1/3 with moderate and 1/3 with severe/very severe tinnitus. After 3 months of treatment we found 20% "winners" (Δ TQ > -15 points) and 25% „responders“ (Δ TQ – 6 to -14 points); after 6 months the responder ratio is even higher.

Conclusion: In light of these first experiences, the adaptive Neurostimulator/acoustic CR neuromodulation could indeed become a new, helpful tool in treating chronic tinnitus.