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According to a research group from Portland, US, strong magnetic fields can reduce local brain activity thereby alleviating tinnitus complaints. The randomised, participant and observer-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial with 64 patients was published in JAMA Otorhinology Head and Neck Surgery.

Inclusion in the trial required the presence of tinnitus symptoms during at least one year with a sound volume of at least six on a scale of ten. During the study, participants received repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on ten consecutive days. However, in only half of the cases the device was turned on.

In the brain, the alternating magnetic fields cause an electrical impulse in nerve cells, which briefly blocks the brain activity. Tinnitus is associated with an increased activity of the auditory cortex and stimulation of this brain area should resolve the complaints.

Following the intervention, the participants were monitored with the tinnitus functional index (TFI) during a 26-week follow-up. The index measures all tinnitus-related complaints on a scale of 100 of which at least a six-point reduction was required. Overall, 18 (56 percent) of the 32 treated participants showed a treatment response, compared to 7 (22 percent) of the 32 controls.

The authors of the National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research in Portland believe that rTMS is a valuable addition to the existing tinnitus treatment options. First however, the results will have to be validated in a larger study with multiple medical centres.

Sources: JAMA Otorhinology Head and Neck Surgery, Aerzteblatt.de

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