Do Body Mass Index Levels Correlate with Tinnitus Among Teachers?

Abstract

Introduction Working conditions can contribute to the development of lifestyle-related diseases among teachers, including obesity and tinnitus. Describing tinnitus in relation to characteristics and comorbidities can help the treatment and prognosis of teachers affected by this symptom. Objective To verify a possible association between tinnitus complaint and body mass index (BMI) in teachers. Methods Cross-sectional study with a sample of teachers who responded to the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and to the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI). The BMI (kg/m2) was calculated based on self-reported body weight (in kilograms) divided by height (in meters squared). Nonparametric statistics were applied adopting a significance level < 0.05 Results A total of 83 teachers were assessed, with a mean age 48 ± 9.7 years old; 63.9% (n= 53) were females; 44.6% were eutrophic (n = 37), and 16.9% (n = 14) were obese. Of the total, 19.3% (n = 16) reported tinnitus. No differences were found between the groups and BMI (p > 0.05), although there was a significant difference between the Tinnitus and No Tinnitus groups for age (p < 0.001). The chi-squared test showed an association between age group and tinnitus (p < 0.028); those with tinnitus were in the 49 to 65 years old age group. In addition, there was a moderate correlation between tinnitus parameters (VAS; THI-Functional; THI-Total) and BMI. Conclusion There was a moderate correlation between tinnitus parameters and BMI indicating that, as the BMI increased, so did the impact of tinnitus in the lives of the teachers. Body mass index should be considered a factor in tinnitus assessment and rehabilitation process.

Serum Vitamin D Concentration Is Lower in Patients with Tinnitus: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

“…For example, Vit D deficiency is commonplace in patients with extremes of body weight, thus in those with malnutrition [ 37 ], as well as in those with overweight or obesity [ 38 ]. In turn, tinnitus appears to be more prevalent in overweight/obese patients (e.g., due to pseudotumor cerebri syndrome or other disturbances) [ 39 , 40 ], as well as in those underweight [ 41 ] and/or with recent weight loss [ 42 ], in whom a reduced fat tissue lining may predispose a major propagation of internal sounds to the cochlea or amplify bone-conduction sounds [ 43 ]. Finally, Vit D has been convincingly linked to an enhanced risk of developing hypertension [ 44 ], since a recent meta-analysis emphasized that hypertensive patients have an increased odd of tinnitus (OR, 1.37; 95% CI: 1.16–1.62) [ 45 ].…”

Impacto da dor cervical, da mobilidade e do índice de massa corporal no controle postural de professores

“…Isso limitou a prática de atividade física, convívio social, nutrição e aumento do comprometimento da postura, por não terem um posto de trabalho adequado. Esse cenário acarreta um aumento da obesidade, afetando também a postura e o controle postural [43][44][45][46] .…”

Impact of cervical pain, neck mobility, and body mass index on teachers’ postural control

“…This limited their physical activity, social interaction, and nutrition and increased postural impairment due to the lack of an adequate work setting. These circumstances increase obesity, also affecting posture and postural control [43][44][45][46] .…”