OBJECTIVETo observe the efficacy differences between acupoint catgut embedding at cervical Jiaji (EX-B 2) points combined with electroacupuncture (EA) at acupoints near ear and simple EA for the treatment of nervous tinnitus.

METHODSSixty-three patients were randomly divided into an observation group (31 cases) and a control group (32 cases). The observation group was treated with acupoint catgut embedding at C4-C7 Jiaji (EXB 2) points on the affected side combined with EA at acupoints near ears, including Ermen (TE 21). Tinggong (SI 19), Tinghui (GB 2), etc.; the control group was treated with EA at regular acupoints near ears alone. The EA treatment was given five times per week, and the acupoint catgut embedding was given once every two weeks. All the treatment was given for 6 weeks. The Tinnitus severity score (TSS)was applied to assess the severity of tinnitus before the treatment, 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 6 weeks into treatment and one month after treat ment. Also the efficacy of two groups was compared.

RESULTSAfter the treatment, the severity of tinnitus was both improved in two groups at each time point (all P<0.05). which was more significant in the observation group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The cured and markedly effective rate was 77.4% (24/31) in the observation group, which was superior to 50.0% (16/32) in the control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe short-term and long-term efficacy of acupoint catgut embedding at cervical Jiaji (EX-B 2) points combined with electroacupuncture are both superior to those of simple electroacupuncture for treatment of nervous tinnitus.