Complementary and Alternative Therapies

In the absence of a validated therapy aimed at silencing their tinnitus, many patients turn to complementary alternative medicines (CAM) with the hope of finding a cure. A variety of therapies are proposed such as acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, herbal remedies, zinc and other oligo-elements, melatonin, homeopathy, and aromatherapy. A literature review demonstrates that there is poor scientific evidence supporting the use of any CAM in the field of tinnitus. The importance of the placebo effect and ethical issues linked to the use of CAM are discussed.