Transcranial electrical stimulation for tinnitus: meta-analysis
Record details
- Authors: Martins ML, et al.
- Journal / source: Neurophysiologie Clinique (2022)
- Design: Meta-analysis (tDCS studies)
- Sample: 14 studies, N=1,031 (tDCS)
- Primary endpoint: Loudness and distress measures
- Randomized: Yes · Sham/placebo-controlled: Yes · Independent of the manufacturer: Yes
What this research found
Small-to-moderate effects on tinnitus measures; overall pooled loudness effect significant (SMD −0.35); subgroup analysis localizes the benefit to lateral-temporal-area stimulation. No significant effect of treatment on psychiatric (depression/anxiety) symptoms. Verdict: possible adjunct, not a standalone treatment.
Limitations and conflicts of interest
Protocol heterogeneity blocks firm conclusions.
Funding / conflicts: Independent.
Corrections to this record
- 2026-09-04: Corrected: removed false claim that prefrontal stimulation 'mainly helped comorbid depression/anxiety' — the paper reports NO significant psychiatric effect; scope corrected to tDCS-only, 14 studies, N=1,031.
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.