Determining the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on tinnitus and tinnitus-related outcomes: protocol for a systematic review
Abstract
Introduction: Tinnitus is the awareness of a sound in the ear or head in the absence of an external source. It affects around 10%-15% of people. About 20% of people with tinnitus also experience symptoms such as depression or anxiety that negatively affect their life. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a technique involving constant low-intensity direct current delivered via electrodes on the head. It is postulated to modulate (suppress or enhance) neural activity in the region between electrodes. As such, it represents a potential treatment option for tinnitus, as well as comorbid depression or anxiety. This systematic review will estimate the effects of tDCS on outcomes relevant to tinnitus. In addition, it will determine whether there is any relationship between stimulation parameters (electrode montage, current intensity, and length and frequency of stimulation sessions) and the effect of tDCS on these outcomes.
Methods and analysis: Electronic searches for peer-reviewed journal articles will be performed in the Cochrane Register of Studies online (the Cochrane Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Group Register and CENTRAL, current issue), PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, LILACS, KoreaMed, IndMed, PakMediNet, CNKI, AMED, PsycINFO, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, ICTRP and Google Scholar using the following search terms: transcranial Direct Current Stimulation OR tDCS AND tinnitus OR depression OR anxiety OR quality of life OR adverse effects OR neurophys*.Searches…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
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