Long-term reductions in tinnitus severity

Abstract

BackgroundThis study was undertaken to assess long-term changes in tinnitus severity exhibited by patients who completed a comprehensive tinnitus management program; to identify factors that contributed to changes in tinnitus severity within this population; to contribute to the development and refinement of effective assessment and management procedures for tinnitus.MethodsDetailed questionnaires were mailed to 300 consecutive patients prior to their initial appointment at the Oregon Health & Science University Tinnitus Clinic. All patients were then evaluated and treated within a comprehensive tinnitus management program. Follow-up questionnaires were mailed to the same 300 patients 6 to 36 months after their initial tinnitus clinic appointment.ResultsOne hundred ninety patients (133 males, 57 females; mean age 57 years) returned follow-up questionnaires 6 to 36 months (mean = 22 months) after their initial tinnitus clinic appointment. This group of patients exhibited significant long-term reductions in self-rated tinnitus loudness, Tinnitus Severity Index scores, tinnitus-related anxiety and prevalence of current depression. Patients who improved their sleep patterns or Beck Depression Inventory scores exhibited greater reductions of tinnitus severity scores than patients who continued to experience insomnia and depression at follow-up.ConclusionsIndividualized tinnitus management programs that were designed for each patient contributed to overall reductions in tinnitus severity exhibited on follow-up questionnaires. Identification and treatment of patients experiencing anxiety, insomnia or depression are vital components of an effective tinnitus management program. Utilization of acoustic therapy also contributed to improvements exhibited by these patients.

Interação entre grau de perda auditiva e o incômodo com zumbidos em trabalhadores com história de exposição ao ruído

“…The consensus currently accepted is that the tinnitus sound frequency is near the frequency and intensity of the hearing loss or the highest level of the hearing loss. Still, in relation to measuring tinnitus, it is not considered the most severe only because it is perceived in high intensity 7 -since more than 80% of the complaining individuals perceive it at less than 20dB (equivalent to a whisper), while less than 5% report it to be higher than 40dB 8 . The other factors associated with a worsening of the tinnitus are: the sound type, its consistency and location 9 .…”

Assessment of tinnitus with tinnitus severity index, tinnitus handicap inventory and distortion product otoacoustic emissions in patients with normal hearing and hearing loss

“…[22] The tinnitus severity index assesses tinnitus by measuring the negative effects caused by tinnitus on the patient. [23] The tinnitus severity index measures the psychological and emotional effects of tinnitus at a rate of 50%, effects on lifestyle at a rate of 37% and effects specific to tinnitus at a rate of 17%. [23] In our study, "medium" symptoms in TSI results and "moderate" symptoms in THI scores were seen in the group with normal hearing and the group with hearing loss.…”

“…[23] The tinnitus severity index measures the psychological and emotional effects of tinnitus at a rate of 50%, effects on lifestyle at a rate of 37% and effects specific to tinnitus at a rate of 17%. [23] In our study, "medium" symptoms in TSI results and "moderate" symptoms in THI scores were seen in the group with normal hearing and the group with hearing loss. This shows that patients are affected by tinnitus at the same rate in a statistically significant way whether they have hearing loss or not in daily life (p<0.001).…”

Effects of serum zinc level on tinnitus

“…To assess tinnitus severity, the 12-item Tinnitus Severity Index Questionnaire (TSIQ) was applied [9]. The TSIQ employs Likert scales for questions pertaining to perceived tinnitus discomfort.…”