Use of high-frequency and muscle vibration in the treatment of tinnitus.
Although tinnitus is defined as an internal auditory sensation, external auditory stimuli can mask tinnitus under some circumstances. High-frequency vibration delivered as bone conduction stimulation is effective in masking high-pitched tinnitus. In this preliminary report, somatosensory stimulation in the form of low-frequency muscle vibration can also mask high-frequency tinnitus. Somatosensory stimulation provides fast, immediate relief, whereas high-frequency vibration provides longer-lasting benefit. Either modality can stand alone or can be used in conjunction for tinnitus treatment. A clinically feasible technique has been identified for more wide-scale evaluation.
Lenhardt
Martin L
ML
Program in Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA. lenhardt@hsc.vcu.edu
Goldstein
Barbara A
BA
Shulman
Abraham
A
Guinta
Robert
R
D000328:Adult; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000295:instrumentation; D006801:Humans; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D010470:Perceptual Masking / Q000502:physiology; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000628:therapy*; D014732:Vibration