Tinnitus can be a debilitating condition and is hard to treat, but a recent study has shown how low-level laser therapy (LLLT) can offer effective relief.

WHAT IS TINNITUS?

Tinnitus is a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears, which nobody else but the patient can hear.1 The sound doesn’t have any external source, but is caused by an underlying health condition.1 Tinnitus can be a debilitating problem and is hard to treat, but low-level laser therapy (LLLT) can offer effective relief.2

Download the coMra for Neuropathy e-book for more information on treatment protocols for neuropathic conditions

WHAT CAUSES TINNITUS?

Doctors theorise that tinnitus can develop when the inner ear is damaged, changing the signals carried to the parts of the brain that process sound. We still don’t know the exact cause of tinnitus, but it can be a result of the following:1

  • Exposure to loud noise or music.
  • Age-related or noise-related hearing loss.
  • Earwax buildup, fluid buildup or an ear infection, which can block the ear canal.
  • Injury to the head or neck, which can damage the structure of the ear or the nerves that carry sound signals to the brain.
  • Taking certain medications, like anti-inflammatories, anti-cancer drugs, anti-malaria medications, antidepressants and certain antibiotics. (Note that tinnitus is usually linked to high doses of these medications.)
  • Ménière’s disease, an inner ear disorder that interferes with hearing and balance.

Some chronic conditions, like diabetes, thyroid disorders and autoimmune diseases, have also been linked to tinnitus.1

LOW-LEVEL LASER THERAPY FOR TINNITUS: SCIENTIFIC FINDINGS

A recent study showed that low-level infrared laser light therapy can help people suffering from tinnitus. The study covered 100 people aged 18 to 65, and analysed a variety of treatments. This study is the first of its kind, and the results are exciting news for those looking for an approved tinnitus treatment.2, 3

The study notes that currently, there is no recommended treatment for tinnitus. Medicines such as sedatives, antihistamines, antidepressants, local anaesthetics and antipsychotics are prescribed for treatment, all with different outcomes. In general, medicines mitigate patient symptoms in a short-term way and can only be prescribed for continuous use at limited dosages, sometimes being insufficient to completely relieve the symptoms. Continuous use of these treatments for long periods may also cause side effects.3

Because previous studies have suggested insufficient microcirculation as one of the main causes of tinnitus, alternative therapies to increase regional blood flow have been proposed. One of these therapies is low-level laser therapy (LLLT), which has been introduced as an alternative treatment for cochlear dysfunction and tinnitus, as well as muscle and skeletal disorders.3

LLLT is typically used to reduce inflammatory response and also to deliver analgesic (pain relief), angiogenic (blood vessel growth) and healing effects. This is done through light absorption by biological tissues and associated photobiomodulation (light therapy) through metabolic activation. Stimulating the cellular respiratory chain in the cells’ mitochondria increases vascularisation (capillary development) and the formation of fibroblasts.3

The results of the study showed a positive treatment outcome (superior to a placebo effect) was achieved by using either laser puncture (laser acupuncture) or LLLT.3

The authors conclude: “Our study has shown that LLLT was effective for the treatment of tinnitus.”3

coMra PROTOCOLS FOR TINNITUS AND OTHER HEARING DISORDERS

LLLT promotes tissue regeneration, reduces inflammation and relieves pain.2 coMra uses a powerful combination of infrared laser, colour LEDs, ultrasound and magnetism4 to relieve hard-to-treat conditions like tinnitus.

Read more about how coMra’s unique light therapy works.

Some of coMra’s Otorhinolaryngology (ear, nose and throat) protocols are designed to help treat tinnitus and other ear problems.5

  • OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY 6 can be used together with NEUROLOGY 1 to treat tinnitus.
  • OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY 6 also treats Ménière’s disease.
  • OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY 5 treats partial hearing loss and otosclerosis, a condition that happens when a small bone inside the ear gets stuck in place, causing hearing problems.6
  • OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY 3 treats otitis (middle-ear infection and inflammation)7 and mesotympanitis (inflammation of the eardrum membrane).8
  • OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY 4 can be used during healing after a tympanoplasty (eardrum surgery).9

Find full instructions for use in the latest coMra User Guide.

TIPS FOR GOOD HEARING HEALTH

Protect your hearing by taking good care of your ears:10

  • Get your hearing tested every 3 to 5 years.
  • Wear protective earplugs or headphones when working in noisy environments.
  • Avoid listening to loud music, especially when using earbuds, which are placed right next to your eardrums.
  • Switch to over-the-ear headphones instead of earbuds.
  • After a loud concert or party, spend some time in a quiet environment to give your ears a rest.
  • Dry your ears properly after swimming or showering. Tilt your head from side to side to drain out any water. Gently pat your ears dry with a towel or cloth. You can also wear swimmer’s earplugs if you swim often.
  • Avoid using cotton buds, which can push earwax deeper into your ear canal. Ask your doctor for advice on the best way to clean your ears.

You can use coMra to promote overall wellness, and to target specific conditions such as ear problems.

NOTE: coMra is a powerful modality. The uses described above are those recommended by the coMra User Guide. Experience over 10 years has shown that in the case of most chronic conditions, treatments can also be spread out to once or twice per week, without taking the breaks outlined in the guide.

References:

1 What is tinnitus? causes and treatment. NIDCD. 2 Infrared therapy is the most effective treatment for tinnitus among those tested: study. The Epoch Times. 3 Panhóca VH, de Aquino Junior AE, de Souza VB, et al. Effects of red and infrared laser therapy in patients with tinnitus: a double-blind, clinical, randomized controlled study combining light with ultrasound, drugs and vacuum therapy. Journal of Personalized Medicine. 2023;13(4):581. doi:10.3390/jpm13040581. 4 Bringing healing to light. Interview with International Light Association, Dr Arzhan Surazakov and Garrett Murrin.5 coMra User Guide. 6 What is otosclerosis? symptoms and diagnosis. NIDCD. 7 Middle ear infection (Otitis media). NHS Inform. 8 Mesotympanitis. GVM Care & Research. 9 Brar S, Watters C, Winters R. Tympanoplasty. In: StatPearls. 2023.  10 11 easy ways to protect your hearing and ear health. Lompoc Valley Medical Center.