What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a prospective study to evaluate the effectiveness of betahistine dihydrochloride and a combination of hyperbaric oxygen therapy with gingko biloba extract in normal-hearing patients with tinnitus.
What They Found
In Group 1, 28.2% of 84 patients experienced overall improvement in tinnitus after betahistine treatment, with average intensity decreasing from 37 dB to 33 dB (p = 0.001). For 36 patients unimproved by betahistine, subsequent combined hyperbaric oxygen and gingko biloba therapy led to 41.8% overall improvement, reducing average intensity from 41 dB to 38 dB (p = 0.046).
What This Means for Canadian Patients
This study suggests that both betahistine and a combination of hyperbaric oxygen therapy with gingko biloba may offer some relief for tinnitus sufferers. Patients experiencing persistent tinnitus could discuss these treatment options with their healthcare providers to explore potential benefits.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
The study design involved sequential treatment groups rather than a randomized comparison, and the second group comprised patients who did not improve from the initial treatment, potentially limiting generalizability.