Impact of tinnitus on quality of life in adults and differences between genders

Abstract

Introduction: Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, represents an abnormal perception of sound in the ears or head without an appropriate external sound source. Today, it is known that tinnitus is not a single disease but rather a group of different disorders with various underlying mechanisms, hence requiring different types of treatment. Tinnitus lacks visible signs of illness and does not endanger life, but in many ways affects the quality of life and causes suffering. Aim: The aims of this study were: to use questionnaires to indicate the relationship between tinnitus and quality of life, to identify which areas of daily life are most affected by the presence of tinnitus, and to determine whether there is a significant difference between genders in terms of the impact of tinnitus on quality of life. Material and Methods: The study included 80 adult patients aged 18 to 82 years. Inclusion criteria for patients in the study were: tinnitus in one or both ears or in the head, tinnitus persisting continuously for 6 months or longer, and older than 18 years. Exclusion criteria for the study are patients who experience auditory hallucinations in the form of music and speech. Otologic diagnostic methods were used, including ear, nose, and throat (ENT) examination, pure tone audiometry, and tympanometry with acoustic reflex testing. Patients completed two questionnaires: a specific questionnaire for tinnitus, the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, and a general questionnaire for assessing quality of life, the Nottingham Health Profile. Results: The prevalence of tinnitus increases with age, up to 65 years, and thereafter either remains independent of aging or decreases. The majority of participants had sensorineural hearing loss ranging from moderate to severe, predominantly affecting high frequencies, and descending. There are statistically significant positive correlations between audiometric parameters and THI scores for all frequencies except for 4000 Hz, both in the left and right ears. Conclusion: By using questionnaires as instruments to assess quality of life and the severity of tinnitus, this study has shown a negative impact of tinnitus on quality of life. We found that the duration of tinnitus affects its severity.