Effect of the vagus nerve stimulation combined with sound therapy for tinnitus treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Tinnitus is a prevalent hearing problem linked to anxiety and depression. It currently has no cure. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to explore the potential association of combining vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) with auditory stimulation in alleviating tinnitus, recognizing the exploratory nature of evidence.

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✦ The floor

Discussion

Signed responses from readers of the wire.

✦ Clinical Takeaway ✦

This meta-analysis provides the strongest current evidence synthesis on combined vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) plus sound therapy for tinnitus; if results are positive, audiologists treating refractory tinnitus patients should take note, though device availability, patient selection criteria, and cost remain practical barriers before clinical adoption.

✦ Why It Matters ✦

Paired VNS with sound therapy is one of the most actively investigated neuromodulation approaches for tinnitus, and a high-quality systematic review could clarify whether it is ready to move from clinical trials into routine practice.

✦ Key Points ✦

01Systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) paired with sound therapy for tinnitus.
02VNS delivers mild electrical pulses to the vagus nerve; when paired with sound, it may promote brain plasticity to reduce tinnitus perception.
03Meta-analyses carry the highest level of evidence for treatment efficacy assessments.
04Tinnitus affects roughly 10–15% of adults and lacks a universally effective treatment.
05Results will inform whether VNS+sound therapy represents a viable clinical option beyond experimental settings.

✦ Claims & Evidence ✦

ClaimEvidenceSupport

Vagus nerve stimulation combined with sound therapy is efficacious for tinnitus treatment.

studypartially supported

✦ Research metadata ✦

PMID: 42867641
DOI: 10.1007/s00405-026-10713-y.
Journal: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology
Publication type: meta_analysis
Evidence level: 1a
Population: Adults with tinnitus enrolled in trials of vagus nerve stimulation combined with sound therapy
Intervention: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) combined with sound therapy
Comparator: Sham stimulation, sound therapy alone, or other tinnitus treatments

Primary outcomes

Tinnitus severity or loudness reduction; Tinnitus Handicap Inventory or equivalent validated outcome scores

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