Tinnitus Laser Treatments

One of the treatments that have been made available in treating tinnitus or ear ringing is the tinnitus laser treatment. Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) for tinnitus has been practiced for about 20 years in Europe and is beginning to be recognized and practiced in the US. There are also many conflicting reports that show no benefit whatsoever. According to the National Institutes of Health in the US, its benefits have not yet been confirmed. In addition, the Tinnitus Laser Centre in Sweden and also found it to be not entirely successful. However, there are indications it is very helpful for tinnitus and other inner ear conditions. In fact there were some clinical studies that had positive results and the therapy continues to be explored.

The premise behind the tinnitus laser treatment is that a certain frequency of light radiation can be aimed at the ear using a laser. The theory of LLLT is that lasers produce heat (radiation) and applying heat to the cochlea promotes healing. This radiation is in the red to infrared spectrum. When aimed at the ear, it is believed that help regenerate the cells. So if the ear cells have been damaged in some way, through excessive levels of noise, infections and illness through drug medication, sinus problems or Meniere's disease, the laser can actively help to heal the ear.

The system is usually composed of an emitting body equipped with a probe to be placed at the entrance of the external auditory canal from where the laser ray was directed toward the eardrum. For more comfort during therapy, the laser is usually coupled to a wearable ear hook. To spare the patient a sensation of dizziness, both inner ears usually receive a daily treatment and the distribution of low level laser light being adjusted to the individual extent of the impairment.

It is an unfortunate situation that the available literature on tinnitus laser treatments is scarce and ambiguous. Differences in wavelengths, pulsing, dosage and treatment technique makes a firm evaluation impossible. However, the positive results reported in some studies do merit attention and further research. Recent clinical experience also suggests that the doses necessary for successful outcome of the therapy have to be increased considerably.