The influence of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation combined with ear copper needle scraping on the clinical efficacy and quality of life of patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss accompanied by tinnitus: A randomized controlled trial

Patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) often experience tinnitus, which adversely affects hearing and quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the combined effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) and ear copper needle scraping on clinical efficacy and quality of life in patients with SSNHL accompanied by tinnitus.

✦ Clinical Takeaway ✦

Findings from this RCT on acupoint stimulation combined with ear copper needle scraping for sudden sensorineural hearing loss with tinnitus should be reviewed before adopting; if effect sizes are clinically meaningful and replication occurs, it may warrant consideration as an adjunct, but this single trial is insufficient to change current evidence-based practice.

✦ Why It Matters ✦

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss with tinnitus remains difficult to treat, and identifying effective adjunct therapies—even from traditional medicine—could expand management options for audiologists and ENT teams.

✦ Key Points ✦

01RCT design comparing acupoint stimulation + ear copper needle scraping vs. standard care for sudden SNHL with tinnitus.
02Outcomes included clinical efficacy measures and quality-of-life assessments.
03Combines traditional Chinese medicine techniques with conventional treatment evaluation framework.
04Published in American Journal of Otolaryngology (doi: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2026.104851).
05Results may not generalise to Western clinical settings without further replication.

✦ Claims & Evidence ✦

ClaimEvidenceSupport

Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation combined with ear copper needle scraping improves clinical outcomes in sudden SNHL with tinnitus.

studypartially supported

The combination therapy improves quality of life in patients with sudden SNHL and tinnitus.

studypartially supported

✦ Research metadata ✦

PMID: 42090892
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2026.104851.
Journal: American Journal of Otolaryngology
Publication type: research_article
Evidence level: 1b
Population: Patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss accompanied by tinnitus
Intervention: Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation combined with ear copper needle scraping
Comparator: Standard/conventional care

Primary outcomes

Clinical efficacy (hearing outcome measures); Quality of life

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