Combined tinnitus therapy with laser and EGb 761: further experiences.

Objective: To verify the effect of lasertherapy in a combination with administration of Ginkgo bilobae extract (EGb 761) in the treatment of patients with chronic tinnitus. Background data: Tinnitus is a symptom signifying the disturbances of a hearing system. The treatment is difficult due to the multiple aetiology and great psychological influence of tinnitus. Studies concerning EGb 761 or laser and their biological effect suggest their use in the treatment of tinnitus. Nevertheless, the results of clinical studies applying these methods vary, making their general clinical application rather controversial. Methods: We performed a simple prospective study involving 420 patients (16-77 years of age; 53.7 years mean, SD 14.2) with chronic tinnitus (duration 3 months to 40 years, 7.7 mean, SD 7.8). A soft laser BTL 10 type was used with an 830 nm/200mV probe, applied with transmastoidal and transmeatal approach as a continuous and pulse beam, after 3 weeks of oral use of EGb 761. The objective effect of the therapy was measured by tinnitus masking; the subjective effect was evaluated on the visual analogue scale (VAS). Results: 238 patients (56.7%) displayed an objective improvement in tinnitus masking, the average improvement of the intensity being 30 dB. 196 patients (46.7%) marked a subjective improvement on VAS. The conformity of objective and subjective evaluation was found in 79% of cases. Conclusion: Compared with the findings of other authors, our results show relatively higher rates of positive changes in tinnitus status and a greater conformity between audiometric and subjective findings.