Tinnitus

Savage et al., 2009 | BMJ Clin Evid | Systematic Review

Citation

Savage Julian, Cook Stephanie, Waddell Angus. Tinnitus. BMJ Clin Evid. 2009-Nov-12;2009

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Up to 18% of people in industrialised societies are mildly affected by chronic tinnitus, and 0.5% report tinnitus having a severe effect on their daily life. Tinnitus can be associated with hearing loss, acoustic neuromas, drug toxicity, ear diseases, and depression. Tinnitus can last for many years, and can interfere with sleep and concentration. METHODS AND OUTCOMES: We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical question: What are the effects of treatments for chronic tinnitus? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to May 2009 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically; please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). RESULTS: We found 27 systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions. CONCLUSIONS: In this systematic review, we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: acamprosate; acupuncture; antidepressant drugs; benzodiazepines; carbamazepine; cinnarizine; electromagnetic stimulation; ginkgo biloba; hearing aids; hypnosis; psychotherapy; tinnitus-masking devices; and tinnitus retraining therapy.

Key Findings

We found 27 systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions.

Outcomes Measured

  • depression

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition sleep

MeSH Terms

  • Databases, Factual
  • Humans
  • Placebos
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Tinnitus
  • United States Food and Drug Administration

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: ginkgo

Provenance

  • PMID: 21726476
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: PMC2907768
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09