Correlation Between Chronic Tinnitus Distress and Symptoms of Depression: A Systematic Review

Abstract

ObjectivesIn this systematic review, we aim to evaluate the evidence regarding the correlation between tinnitus distress and the severity of depressive symptoms in patients with chronic tinnitus. Also, the prevalence of clinically relevant depressive symptoms scores in patients with chronic tinnitus was evaluated.MethodsWe performed a systematic review in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library in June 2021 using the terms “depression” and “tinnitus,” and their synonyms, following PRISMA guidelines. Studies were selected on relevance and critically appraised regarding risk of bias using the Newcastle–Ottowa Quality Assessment Scale.ResultsA total of 1,912 articles were screened on title and abstract after the removal of the duplicates. Eventually, 33 (1.5%) articles were included for the final analysis. Only cross-sectional cohort studies and case–control studies with a low level of evidence and a high risk of bias due to the study design and patient selection were found. Statistically significant correlations between the experienced tinnitus distress and depressive symptoms were reported in 31 out of 33 studies. Clinically relevant depression scores had a prevalence of 4.6–41.7%.ConclusionsIn this systematic review, in which mostly cross-sectional studies were included, a statistically significant correlation was found between the experienced tinnitus distress and the reported severity of symptoms of depression in patients with chronic tinnitus. A wide range of clinically relevant depression scores were reported in included studies. Due to the high risk of bias of included studies it is not possible to provide a definite answer on the existence of this relationship. Future population-based studies are necessary to provide more clarity.

Suffering from chronic tinnitus, chronic neck pain, or both: Does it impact the presence of signs and symptoms of central sensitization?

“…The BDI has shown to be a valid and reliable tool to evaluate depressive symptoms in patients with chronic pain [ 109 ]. It is also commonly used to assess depression in patients with tinnitus [ 30 ].…”

Standard and Extend High-Frequency Audiometry in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Impacts on Tinnitus and Mental Health

“…In a systematic review (47) in patients with chronic tinnitus, 7 out of 33 studies used HADS. According to the authors, although the data showed statistically positive correlation between tinnitus suffering and the severity of depression, symptomatic clinical depression was relatively rare in these individuals.…”

Current and Emerging Therapies for Chronic Subjective Tinnitus

“…Additionally, non-auditory pathways play a critical role in the maintenance and affective response to tinnitus (Figure 2) [49]. Correspondingly, tinnitus is known to be co-morbid with depression and anxiety [50], and intracochlear-glucocorticoid-mediated glutamate release may be a link between psychological stressors and tinnitus [51]. The frontostriatal gating theory posits that the nucleus accumbens and ventromedial prefrontal cortex are important in the affective response to tinnitus [52].…”

“…morbid with depression and anxiety [50], and intracochlear-glucocorticoid-mediated glu tamate release may be a link between psychological stressors and tinnitus [51]. The fron tostriatal gating theory posits that the nucleus accumbens and ventromedial prefronta cortex are important in the affective response to tinnitus [52].…”