A comparative study on photobiological effects of low-level laser therapy and tinnitus retraining therapy in patients with acoustic trauma-induced tinnitus

Mostafa Eyvazi; Parsa Cheraghipour; Majid Irani; Saeid Aarabi; Javad Fakhri

doi:10.18502/avr.v30i3.6535

Mostafa Eyvazi Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic, Imam Reza Hospital, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Parsa Cheraghipour Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic, Imam Reza Hospital, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Majid Irani Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic, Imam Reza Hospital, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Saeid Aarabi Department of Audiology, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Javad Fakhri Department of Audiology, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/avr.v30i3.6535

Abstract

Background and Aim: Tinnitus is a subjective auditory symptom referred to the perception of sound in the absence of external stimuli, and there is no definite treatment for it. Rehabilitation methods and laser therapy have been recommended used for its management. This study aimed to investigate the photobiological effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) in patients with acoustic trauma-induced tinnitus.

Methods: This clinical trial was conducted on 60 patients suffering from acoustic trauma-induced tinnitus for more than six months, divided into three groups of LLLT, TRT and LLLT + TRT. The Persian version of tinnitus handicap inventory (P-THI), visual analog scale (VAS), and loudness match (LM) scale were used to collect data. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS version.22 software. The effect of time, group and time × group on the scores of VAS, LM, P-THI and its subscales were examined.

Results: There was a statistically significant difference between LLLT + TRT and LLLT groups after intervention in terms of LM (p = 0.002) and VAS (p = 0.001) variables, but no statistical significance for P-THI and its subscales (p = 0.442) was found.

Conclusion: Combination of LLLT and TRT, as a therapeutic protocol, is recommended due to their remarkable effects in reducing acoustic trauma-induced tinnitus symptoms. The use of LLLT method alone, however, is not recommended due to its lower effects.

Keywords: Tinnitus; low-level laser therapy; tinnitus retraining therapy; tinnitus handicap inventory; loudness matching; visual analog scale