Factors Affecting Tinnitus Handicap in Discharged Soldiers with Tinnitus

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics of tinnitus in soldiers discharged from military service and to analyze the main cause which influences the tinnitus handicap. For the participants, 295 victims of tinnitus acquired during military service were included. The subjects completed a structured questionnaire to investigate sociodemographic characteristics, tinnitus characteristics, the health effects of the condition, and tinnitus handicap. Tinnitus handicap was measured by Tinnitus Handicap Inventory score. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the association between age, disease history, tinnitus characteristics and tinnitus handicap. Results indicated that hearing loss, otologic symptoms, the kinds, site, loudness, and health effect of tinnitus significantly related to tinnitus handicap. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, hearing loss, otologic symptoms, and loudness of tinnitus significantly affected the tinnitus handicap. The adjusted odds ratios were as follows: 4.925 (95% CI, 2.710-8.949) for those who accompanied with hearing loss, and 8.738 (95% CI 1.847-41.329) for those who have severe loudness of tinnitus compared to mild loudness of tinnitus. As tinnitus accompanying hearing loss can effect everyday life significantly, the countermeasure in reducing the exposure of the noise in military is needed.