The International Tinnitus Journal

Can the Facial Nerve Reduce the Loudness of Your Tinnitus?

Introduction: The facial nerve is a potentially target for tinnitus treatment. Objectives: The object of this study was the enduring outcome of pulsed radiofrequency of the facial nerve in patients with tinnitus and to detect predictors for a beneficial pay-off. Results: Pulsed radiofrequency of the facial nerve reduced tinnitus loudness in 25% of the patients suffering from tinnitus. Forty percent of them rated the outcome of therapy as a diminution of 50% or more. Permanent tinnitus relief after a successful pulsed radiofrequency of the facial nerve was found to be 35% at a half year follow-up. Side-effects were a 10% chance of a louder tinnitus. One patient had an epileptic attack 2 weeks after pulsed radiofrequency of the facial nerve. Patients with reduced tinnitus following pulsed radiofrequency of the facial nerve had less hearing loss at 2 and 8 kHz, normal cervical lordosis, and less disc height between the fourth and fifth cervical vertebrae compared to those with no benefit of this therapy. Conclusions: Pulsed radiofrequency of the facial nerve can be a useful alternative for patients with tinnitus. However, this beneficial effect is in most cases temporarily. Patient selection is vital for better results and less side-effects.