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.
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.
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.
- 01RCT design comparing acupoint stimulation + ear copper needle scraping vs. standard care for sudden SNHL with tinnitus.