Prevalence, Severity, Exposures, and Treatment Patterns of Tinnitus in the United States

Abstract

Importance Largest analysis to date of tinnitus epidemiology in the American adult population Objectives To quantify the epidemiology and impact of tinnitus and to analyze its management in the United States relative to the 2014 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) clinical practice guideline on tinnitus. Design Cross sectional analysis of a nationally representative health survey. Methods The 2007 National Health Interview Survey (raw N=75,764) was analyzed, identifying adults reporting tinnitus in the preceding 12 months. Main Outcomes In addition to quantifying duration, regularity, and severity of the tinnitus, specific data regarding noise exposure and tinnitus management during health care visits for tinnitus were analyzed. Results Among 222.1±3.4 million American adults, 21.4±3.4 million (9.6±0.3%) experienced tinnitus in the past 12 months. Among tinnitus sufferers, 27.0% had symptoms greater than 15 years; 36.0% had near constant symptoms. Higher rates of tinnitus were reported in those with consistent work (OR 3.3; CI: 2.9-3.7) and recreational time (OR 2.6; CI: 2.3-2.9) loud noise exposure. Years of work-related noise exposure correlated with increasing prevalence of tinnitus r=0.130 (95% CI, 0.103 to 0.157). 7.2% reported their tinnitus as a “big” or “very big” problem versus 41.6% reporting it as a “small” problem. Only 49.4% had discussed their tinnitus with a physician, where medications were the most frequently discussed recommendation (45.5%). Other interventions, such as hearing aids (9.2%), masking devices (4.9%), and cognitive-behavioral therapy (0.2%) were less frequently discussed. Conclusions and Relevance The contemporary national prevalence of tinnitus is approximately one in 10 adults. Durations of occupational and leisure time noise exposures correlated with rates of tinnitus and are likely targetable risk factors. Management options suggested by recently published guidelines were quite infrequently followed.

Tinnitus Patients Suffering from Anxiety and Depression: A Review

“…Its constant noise can be irritating and extremely distressing, with 0.5% experiencing symptoms so severe that they are no longer able to lead a normal life 1 . Latest figures estimate 9.6% of the population experienced tinnitus within 1 year 2 . The bothersome nature of tinnitus has lead to an association with psychiatric diseases including depression and anxiety.…”

Situationally influenced tinnitus coping strategies: a mixed methods approach

“…The prevalence of tinnitus is surprisingly high. It affects an estimated 10-17% of the adult population across the globe [3,4]. The range of individual reactions following the onset of tinnitus remains puzzling [5].…”

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“…Of this large group of individuals, it is believed that 1 in 5 suffer from bothersome tinnitus requiring audiological intervention [1]. Once an underlying medical condition has been ruled out, management options include some combination of counseling and a masking device (sound therapy).…”