Simvastatin and Ginkgo biloba in the treatment of subacute tinnitus: a retrospective study of 94 patients.
OBJECTIVE
Studies suggest that hypercholesterolemia promotes the development of inner ear disorders such as tinnitus. However, the underlying pathomechanisms are still not clearly defined.


METHODS
A retrospective study was performed to assess whether a reduction of serum cholesterol by 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors may result in a relief of subacute tinnitus. Remission rates of 58 patients were investigated after 4 months of treatment with simvastatin (40 mg). Results were compared to treatment with Ginkgo biloba (120 mg; n = 36) as control group. Differences between tinnitus score at the day of first treatment and after 4 months were used as main outcome measure.


RESULTS
After treatment with simvastatin or G biloba, tinnitus score decreased from 41.3 ± 10.4 to 37.4 ± 17.3 and from 44.7 ± 11.2 to 41.2 ± 8.7, respectively. However, independently of the treatment regimen, differences of tinnitus scores were considered not significant.


CONCLUSIONS
After administration of simvastatin over 4 months, this retrospective study has shown no significant efficacy in treatment of subacute tinnitus. For a more conclusive answer, further prospective, double-blind, and placebo-controlled studies with a larger number of patients are needed.
Canis
Martin
M
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Munich, München, Germany. martin.canis@med.uni-muenchen.de
Olzowy
Bernhard
B
Welz
Christian
C
Suckfüll
Markus
M
Stelter
Klaus
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone; D005260:Female; D020441:Ginkgo biloba; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D019821:Simvastatin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D028321:Plant Preparations; D019821:Simvastatin