The Effect of Low-Level Laser Stimulation on Hearing Thresholds

Low-level laser therapy has been practiced for about 20 years in Europe and is beginning to be practiced in the US. Theoretically, laser energy in the red and near infrared light spectrum is capable of penetrating 2-5 cm into tissue and can stimulate mitochondria in the cells to produce more energy (through the production of adenosine triphosphate), which in turn may help prevent or repair tissue damage. The effects of low-level laser therapy on hearing have not been well studied. It has been suggested that laser therapy might help repair damage to the cochlea and restore some degree of hearing loss. Studies of low-level laser stimulation of cochleae utilizing microscopy, PET imaging, and MRI suggest potential therapeutic benefit to hearing. While preliminary studies suggest a possible improvement in hearing thresholds, a carefully controlled study is needed to verify the results using a valid battery of audiological tests.