Acupuncture for Tinnitus: Does It Actually Work?

Summary

Dr. Ben Thompson, an audiologist and founder of Treble Health, discusses the potential of acupuncture in tinnitus management. Despite its growing popularity in mainstream healthcare, research on acupuncture's effectiveness for tinnitus is inconclusive. Thompson suggests that while acupuncture may not be a primary treatment, it could be a supplementary approach, especially for stress reduction. He emphasizes the importance of evidence-based treatments like sound therapy and coaching for managing tinnitus, recommending these over acupuncture due to stronger scientific backing.

Takeaways

• 👨‍⚕️ Dr. Ben Thompson, an audiologist with an audiology residency from UCSF, discusses acupuncture's potential role in tinnitus management.
• 🏥 Dr. Thompson is the founder of an online telehealth company focused on tinnitus, which serves hundreds of patients monthly.
• 🔍 The script reviews research on acupuncture for tinnitus, finding mixed results and a lack of strong scientific support.
• 🪡 Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice involving needle insertion to rebalance 'chi' or life energy.
• 🧘‍♂️ Dr. Thompson personally found acupuncture relaxing, likening it to meditation, suggesting it could reduce stress and improve well-being.
• 📊 A 2011 study suggested acupuncture might improve quality of life by reducing stress, which can exacerbate tinnitus.
• 🤔 The script acknowledges stress as a significant factor in tinnitus, potentially causing or worsening the condition.
• 🎧 Traditional audiology management, such as sound therapy and coaching, is recommended over acupuncture due to stronger scientific evidence.
• 💡 Acupuncture could be considered as a supplementary treatment alongside evidence-based methods for a holistic approach.
• 📚 The Tinnitus Guide by Treble Health is offered as a resource for the latest treatments and management tips for tinnitus.

Q & A

What is Dr. Ben Thompson's profession and where did he complete his residency?

Dr. Ben Thompson is an audiologist who completed his audiology residency at a major hospital in San Francisco, California, UCSF.

What is the focus of Dr. Thompson's online telehealth company?

The online telehealth company started by Dr. Thompson is 100% focused on tinnitus, seeing hundreds of tinnitus patients every month.

What is acupuncture and its origin according to the video?

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves inserting needles at specific locations along the body to rebalance the flow of energy, known as 'chi' in Chinese medicine.

What is the theory behind the use of acupuncture for disease or pathology?

The theory behind acupuncture suggests that disease or pathology can be linked to a disruption of the flow of energy in the body, and that inserting needles at specific points can help restore balance.

Why did Dr. Thompson personally try acupuncture?

Dr. Thompson tried acupuncture for holistic health benefits, not specifically for tinnitus, and found it to be relaxing and similar to meditation.

What is the general research consensus on acupuncture's effectiveness for treating tinnitus according to the video?

The research on acupuncture for treating tinnitus is mixed, and the video does not present any scientific evidence supporting acupuncture as a significant treatment for tinnitus.

What was the finding of the 2011 study mentioned in the video regarding acupuncture and tinnitus?

The 2011 study found some benefits in overall quality of life related to tinnitus severity for the group that had acupuncture treatments, possibly due to stress reduction.

How does stress relate to tinnitus according to the video?

Stress is known to exacerbate tinnitus or make it worse, and can even lead to stress-induced tinnitus. Reducing stress can improve tinnitus symptoms.

What is the recommended approach for treating tinnitus according to Dr. Thompson?

Dr. Thompson recommends starting with evidence and science-based treatments like sound therapy and one-on-one coaching, and considering holistic health interventions like acupuncture as supplementary.

What are the services provided by Treble Health according to the video?

Treble Health provides medical devices and services for tinnitus management, including sound therapy treatment devices and coaching around concentration, attention, stress, anxiety, and sleep difficulties.

How can viewers get in touch with Treble Health for more information or questions?

Viewers can visit the website treblehealth.com to learn more about Treble Health's medical devices and services, or call them directly from the website.