The influence of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation combined with ear copper needle scraping on the clinical efficacy and quality of life of patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss accompanied by tinnitus: A randomized controlled

BACKGROUND: Patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) often experience tinnitus, which adversely affects hearing and quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the combined effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) and ear copper needle scraping on clinical efficacy and quality of life in patients with SSNHL accompanied by tinnitus. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 86 patients with SSNHL accompanied by tinnitus were randomly assigned to control group or observation group, with 43 participants in each group. The control group received conventional pharmacological treatment and nursing care, while the observation group additionally received TEAS combined with ear copper needle scraping. Outcomes were assessed after 2 weeks. Pure-tone average (PTA), tinnitus severity (tinnitus evaluation questionnaire [TEQ] and tinnitus handicap inventory in Chinese Version [THI]), and quality of life (SF-36) were evaluated before and after treatment. Adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 78 patients completed the study. Both groups showed significant improvements in PTA, TEQ, THI and SF-36 scores compared with baseline (all P < 0.05). The clinical efficacy was higher in the observation group than in the control group (87.50% vs. 50.00%). The observation group demonstrated greater benefits in hearing, tinnitus severity and quality of life (all P < 0.001). Neither group experienced any serious adverse events. CONCLUSION: In patients with SSNHL accompanied by tinnitus, the combination of TEAS and ear copper needle scraping may effectively improve hearing thresholds, reduce tinnitus severity, and enhance quality of life over a short-term period, with a favorable safety profile. TRIAL REGISTRATION: International Traditional Medicine Clinical Trial Registry, No. ITMCTR2025002155. The date of registration is 2025.11.08 (Retrospectively registered).