Effect of Time Shift of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for Treatment of Acute Tinnitus

The treatment for patients with acute tinnitus consists of Methylprednisolone and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. For this study transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) was added to the protocol. The purpose is to determine the effect of the time shift of tDCS. Two conditions will be compared: tDCS simultaneously with the hyperbaric oxygen therapy or tDCS 3 weeks after the start of the tinnitus.

An audiological testing will be performed at the day of admission, after 3 weeks, 6 weeks and 12 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age between 18 and 50 years
• presence of acute tinnitus or worsening of tinnitus caused by otogenic disease
• registration in UZA within 48 hours after start tinnitus
• VAS-score ≥ 4
• ability to understand and sign informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• history of epileptic seizures
• severe organic comorbidity
• psychiatric disorders or a history of psychiatric disorders with psychotic symptoms
• Pace maker
• pregnancy