Frontiers in Neuroscience (Jul 2024)

Current status of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation for tinnitus: a narrative review of modern research

  • Qiqi Wu,
  • Jiawei Wang,
  • Dexiong Han,
  • Lala Qian,
  • Hantong Hu,
  • Hong Gao

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2024.1405310
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 18

Abstract

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Tinnitus, characterized by phantom sound perception, is a highly disruptive disorder lacking definitive and effective treatments. Its intricate neural mechanisms are not fully understood. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) has demonstrated potential as a substitute or supplementary treatment by activating central vagal pathways. However, standardized therapeutic protocols and objective tests to assess efficacy are lacking. Therefore, taVNS shows promise as a therapy for tinnitus, and treatment protocols should be optimized in future clinical trials.

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