Changes in Tinnitus Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted delivery of healthcare, economic activity, and affected social interactions. Identifying and supporting those most affected by the pandemic is required. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of the pandemic on individuals with tinnitus and to identify mediating factors. Methods: This is a mixed-methods exploratory cross-sectional study, using data collected via an online survey from 3,103 individuals with tinnitus from 48 countries. The greatest representation was from North America (49%) and Europe (47%) and other countries were only marginally represented. Results: Although the study was aimed at those with pre-existing tinnitus, 7 individuals reported having COVID-19 initiated tinnitus. Having COVID-19 symptoms exacerbated tinnitus in 40% of respondents, made no change in 54%, and improved tinnitus in 6%. Other mediating factors such as the social and emotional consequences of the pandemic made pre-existing tinnitus more bothersome for 32% of the respondents, particularly for females and younger adults, better for 1%, and caused no change to tinnitus for 67%. Pre-existing tinnitus was significantly exacerbated for those self-isolating, experiencing loneliness, sleeping poorly, and with reduced levels of exercise. Increased depression, anxiety, irritability, and financial worries further significantly contributed to tinnitus being more bothersome during the pandemic period. Conclusions: These findings have implications for tinnitus management, because they highlight the diverse response both internal and external factors have on tinnitus levels. Clinical services should be mindful that tinnitus may be caused by contracting COVID-19 and pre-existing tinnitus may be exacerbated, although in the majority of respondents Beukes et al. Tinnitus Experiences During COVID-19 there was no change. Additional support should be offered where tinnitus severity has increased due to the health, social, and/or emotional effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tinnitus may be more bothersome for those experiencing loneliness, having fewer social interactions, and who are more anxious or worried.

Dismantling internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for tinnitus. The contribution of applied relaxation: A randomized controlled trial

“…The most surprising outcome was that assessment scores for the low tinnitus severity group increased instead of decreasing over time, possibly indicating a statistical effect of regression to the mean. It is also possible that the COVID-19 pandemic the increased participant anxiety levels and resulted in their tinnitus worsening, as was found in the general population during this period ( Beukes et al, 2020b ). It may also be that undergoing an intervention placed more awareness on tinnitus and its effects and this heightened awareness negatively influenced their tinnitus.…”

Coping With Tinnitus During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Health care services, especially nonurgent care, have not fully resumed, and social interactions remain limited for many people. The impact of this is far reaching for those with tinnitus (Beukes, Baguley, et al, 2020), and additional support should be provided. It is noteworthy that these findings are patient driven and are not those of stakeholders or professionals.…”

“…An exploratory cross-sectional survey study design was used to investigate tinnitus experiences (see Beukes, Baguley, et al, 2020) and examine how those with tinnitus coped during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ethical approval was granted by Lamar University (IRB-FY20-215).…”

“…Although tinnitus was exacerbated during the pandemic for some, Beukes, Baguley, et al (2020) found 67% of the respondents reported their tinnitus was not affected, and 1% indicated their tinnitus improved. It may be assumed that such individuals had effective coping skills to manage stress, which thereby minimized the impact on their tinnitus, Understanding their coping techniques is important to aid future intervention and support planning and should be investigated.…”

“…Since there is a bidirectional relationship between tinnitus and stress (Mazurek et al, 2019), the additional stress associated with the pandemic may be a contributing factor to the reports of increased tinnitus severity during the pandemic (Anzivino et al, 2020). Lifestyle changes during the pandemic may have further impacted on tinnitus experiences, as found in a global tinnitus study, including 3,103 adults (Beukes, Baguley, et al, 2020). Almost a third (32%) reported their pre-existing tinnitus was exacerbated.…”