6-month symptom changes and factors associated with treatment response following combined acupuncture, moxibustion, and cupping protocol in patients with primary tinnitus: a retrospective cohort study - Report - MDSpire

6-month symptom changes and factors associated with treatment response following combined acupuncture, moxibustion, and cupping protocol in patients with primary tinnitus: a retrospective cohort study

  • By

  • Yi Zhu

  • Ke Fang

  • Lianqiang Fang

  • Jie Zhou

  • Minghui Zhao

  • Hantong Hu

  • Da Jiang

  • Hong Gao

  • Yang Li

  • July 14, 2026

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Clinical Report: Changes in Symptoms and Influencing Factors After 6 Months of Combined Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and Cupping Treatment in Patients with Primary Tinnitus

Overview

This study evaluated the effects of combined acupuncture, moxibustion, and cupping therapy on patients with primary tinnitus over a 6-month period. Significant reductions in tinnitus-related handicap were observed.

Background

Primary tinnitus affects approximately 14.4% of adults globally, often leading to significant functional impairment. Conventional treatments have limited efficacy.

Data Highlights

OutcomeResponse Rate
Primary response rate at 6 months81.4% (114/140)
Secondary response rate at 6 months82.9%

Key Findings

  • 57.1% of patients achieved a primary response rate immediately post-treatment.
  • Primary response rate increased to 81.4% at the 6-month follow-up.
  • Secondary response rate rose from 63.6% post-treatment to 82.9% at follow-up.
  • Younger age and higher baseline THI grade were associated with short-term treatment response.
  • For long-term outcomes, both age and baseline THI grade were significant predictors of treatment response.
  • Gender, tinnitus laterality, disease duration, and comorbid symptoms did not significantly affect treatment outcomes.

Clinical Implications

The findings suggest that combined acupuncture, moxibustion, and cupping therapy may provide sustained relief for patients with primary tinnitus. Clinicians should consider age and baseline severity when evaluating treatment responses.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that combined TCM interventions can lead to significant long-term improvements in tinnitus symptoms. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and optimize treatment protocols.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Neurology, 2026 -- Efficacy differences and predictors of personalized mixed acoustic therapy in chronic tinnitus patients with and without hearing loss
  2. Tinnitus: A Frequently Overlooked Complication After Microvascular Decompression for Hemifacial Spasm, 2024
  3. Journal of Neuro-Oncology, 2024 -- Tinnitus Following Vestibular Schwannoma Treatment: A Systematic Review and Comparative Study of Microsurgical and Stereotactic Radiosurgical Approaches
  4. VA DoD Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) for Tinnitus, 2024
  5. BMC Neurology — The longer, the better? Investigating the effect of prolonged acoustic stimulation on brief acoustic tinnitus suppression
  6. VA DoD Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) for Tinnitus
  7. Efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture and electroacupuncture combined with warm needling for subjective tinnitus: A multicenter, three-arm randomized controlled trial - ScienceDirect
  8. Frontiers | A survey-based assessment of attitudes and needs regarding tinnitus healthcare among patients and healthcare professionals in Europe

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