rTMS for Tinnitus

What it is

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive technique that uses pulsed magnetic fields to modulate neural activity [1]. It has been tested as a treatment for chronic tinnitus [1].

What the research says

2025 meta-analysis. 16 randomised trials with 1,105 people with chronic tinnitus. rTMS was better than sham on the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and a visual scale, with a positive effect at one month but not at six months, and no immediate effect on the Tinnitus Questionnaire or loudness matching [1].

Other analyses. A 2020 meta-analysis of low-frequency rTMS (10 trials, 567 people) found no significant benefit over sham at short, medium or long term [2]. A 2026 analysis of 8 rTMS trials (432 people) found a small, non-significant pooled effect (SMD -0.15, 95% CI -0.37 to 0.07) [3]. A review of study settings found that real rTMS beat sham in the proportion of significant before-and-after changes, and that lower stimulation intensity was linked to significant effects [4].

Doses used in studies

Settings varied widely between trials, and some, such as pulse waveform, were not reported [4]. No single dose is established.

Safety and interactions

Side effects. Few mild or moderate adverse events occurred, and they were similar in the rTMS and sham groups [2]. A 2026 review described adverse events across non-invasive stimulation as mild and temporary [3].

Interactions, limits, pregnancy and other conditions. No data were found in the studies read.

Caveats and open questions

Two large trials gave different results, and the pooled analyses disagree [4][2][1]. More trials with uniform protocols and longer follow-up are needed [1][2].