To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of neuromodulation and bimodal stimulation for chronic subjective tinnitus in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). DATA SOURCES: PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and EMBASE (January 2015-December 2025) searched per PRISMA 2020. REVIEW
This meta-analysis of RCTs is the strongest available evidence class on neuromodulation for tinnitus; clinicians should review effect sizes and safety data before recommending these treatments, but current evidence likely does not yet support routine adoption.
A rigorously conducted meta-analysis of RCTs sets the current evidence ceiling for neuromodulation in tinnitus and will be the reference standard for guideline committees considering whether to endorse these interventions.
- 01Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on neuromodulation for chronic subjective tinnitus.
- 02Both traditional neuromodulation (e.g., rTMS, tDCS) and bimodal stimulation approaches were evaluated.
- 03Safety as well as effectiveness outcomes were assessed.
- 04Published in Laryngoscope (DOI: 10.1002/lary.70633).
- 05Findings will directly inform clinical guideline development for tinnitus management.
Neuromodulation and bimodal stimulation have measurable effectiveness for chronic subjective tinnitus based on pooled RCT data.
studypartially supportedNeuromodulation treatments for tinnitus have an acceptable safety profile across randomized trials.
studyunclear- PMID
- 42167925
- DOI
- 10.1002/lary.70633.
- Journal
- Laryngoscope
- Publication type
- meta_analysis
- Evidence level
- 1a
- Population
- Adults with chronic subjective tinnitus enrolled in randomized controlled trials
- Intervention
- Neuromodulation (e.g., rTMS, tDCS) and bimodal stimulation for tinnitus
- Comparator
- Sham stimulation or active control conditions across included RCTs
Primary outcomes
Tinnitus severity or loudness (validated questionnaire scores); Safety and adverse event rates