Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation for tinnitus: systematic review with meta-analysis
Record details
- Authors: Fernández-Hernando D, et al.
- Journal / source: Journal of Clinical Medicine (2023)
- Design: Systematic review with meta-analysis (4 studies pooled)
- Sample: Small heterogeneous pilots
- Primary endpoint: —
- Randomized: No · Sham/placebo-controlled: No · Independent of the manufacturer: Yes
What this research found
Pooled meta-analysis of 4 studies found a statistically positive effect on tinnitus disability of LOW CLINICAL RELEVANCE; underlying studies small and heterogeneous; evidence insufficient for practice.
A multicenter double-blind RCT of taVNS + notched music (Sun Yat-Sen, NCT05417711) is the first adequately sized test.
Limitations and conflicts of interest
See the record summary above.
Funding / conflicts: Independent.
Corrections to this record
- 2026-09-04: Corrected: 'narrative synthesis only' was false — the review includes a 4-study meta-analysis with a pooled positive disability effect of low clinical relevance; citation completed (Fernández-Hernando et al., J Clin Med 2023, DOI 10.3390/jcm12113673).
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.