Acupuncture for tinnitus: systematic review and meta-analysis (8 RCTs)
Record details
- Authors: Huang K, Liang S, Chen L, Grellet A
- Journal / source: Acupuncture in Medicine (2021)
- Design: Systematic review + meta-analysis
- Sample: 8 RCTs, N=504
- Primary endpoint: VAS
- Randomized: Yes · Sham/placebo-controlled: Yes · Independent of the manufacturer: Yes
What this research found
No significant effect on the primary loudness VAS outcome vs control. A secondary outcome (THI) showed a significant pooled reduction (≈ −10 points) — secondary, from low-quality trials. Overall evidence insufficient.
Limitations and conflicts of interest
Underlying trials mostly low quality.
Funding / conflicts: Independent.
Corrections to this record
- 2026-09-04: Corrected: 18 RCTs → 8 RCTs (N=504); year 2020 → 2021; journal added (Acupuncture in Medicine); significant secondary THI result added and labeled secondary.
Primary sources
Used as evidence for
This is an original summary from the Tinnitus Evidence verified database, checked against the primary source — not a reproduction of the publisher's abstract.