Hyperacusis and Other Inner Ear Disorders Are Improving after Light Irradiation with Photobiostimulation Laser

Abstract

Objectives:

There are several theories about pathophysiologic mechanisms involved in hyperacusis as an inner ear disease. Several authors discuss and focus hyperacusis around neurophysiological processes currently against the cochlear poor condition. This research describes effects of treatment by laser light irradiation on hyperacusis and recognizes that hyperacusis is a poor cochlear disorder instead of other auditory or neurophysiologic processes.

Methods:

A prospective study of a group of 58 patients who were suffering hyperacusis from several inner ear disorders (Ménière’s, tinnitus, and other disorders) was made with laser irradiation therapy based upon a photobiostimulation energy protocol. Patients were treated twice a week for 6 weeks by irradiation of a dose of low-level laser light. A laser device with double wavelength and independent light beams were used to irradiate through the ear canal with light power irradiance of 90 to 300 mw/cm².

Results:

Hyperacusis significantly improved in all patients. Ninety-nine percent of observations had a large improvement of auditory capacity and 78.9% of them reached normal discomfort levels (no hyperacusis). Dynamic range of each ear was measured before and after treatment.

Conclusions:

Irradiation of the cochlea with a specific dose of light laser energy produces an obvious improvement in hyperacusis and other auditory disorders. This can be evaluated by comparing the audiometric dynamic range before and after the treatment period. The results confirm that hyperacusis as a disorder is more susceptible to a poor cochlear condition than other known neurophysiological processes.