Database: Study 26 of 41 studies               Database The inner ear – deafness and hyperacusis - pTENS First author and date Kaslow AL 1974 Version consulted C Condition hearing disability Study type case reports N / Groupings 7 Type of acupuncture pTENS Points used each electrically ‘identifiable’ point in ear (especially 12 points within ear canal), on posterior surface of ear, and around ear, with adjunctive points auricular He, P, SJ, Liv, LI Parameters used biphasic, not >4 mA [ACU-SENSE, Bio-Instrumentation, Inc, Goleta, CA] Stimulation duration 4 secs/pt Number of sessions 6 treatments optimal Follow up 7 mths (in 1 case) Endpoint measure ability to hear ticking stopwatch (crude but useful quick test) Outcome best results in treatment of hearing deficiencies at ~4 secs (longer stimulation does not improve results); EA tends to be faster and hence cheaper for patient; specialised ear probe used; subjectively no improvement beyond 6 treatments Additional notes electrical stimulation might cause large-amplitude contraction of stapedial muscle and so facilitate stapes movement, or accomplish nerve-lysis Analysis / problems - References Kaslow AL, Lowenschuss O Hearing rehabilitation using electroacupuncture without needles. American Journal of Acupuncture. 1974 Jan-March; 2(1): 23-9 Secondary references - Data entry code EH23