Quality of life of tinnitus patients with and without hearing loss

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Tinnitus is a common, irritating and often disturbing symptom. It poses big challenge to the patients’ management and affects their quality of life (QoL). Tinnitus is one of the most common otological symptoms associated with hearing loss. The aim of the study was to determine the quality of life of adult tinnitus patients and the effect presence of hearing loss has on the quality of life.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> All consenting adults presenting with tinnitus with or without associated hearing loss were recruited. Sociodemographic information, clinical assessment, pure tone audiometry (PTA) and QoL assessment with Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) were carried out. The data collected were analysed and results were presented in tables and simple chart. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> The age range of participants was between 18 and 80 years with a mean age of 51.94 years±17.41. Male to female ratio was 1:1.4. The relationship between tinnitus and associated hearing loss was statistically significant with moderate hearing loss found as commonest. Sensorineural hearing loss was the commonest type found. Tinnitus was mostly described as a big problem. The relationship between the TFI scores and presence of hearing loss as well as degree of hearing loss was statistically significant.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Tinnitus has a significant health burden which tends to increase with co-existing hearing loss. PTA assessment and measurement of QoL should be advocated as routine for tinnitus patients no matter the cause of tinnitus and also especially among those with self-professed normal hearing.</p>

Emotional self-states and coping responses in patients with chronic tinnitus: a schema mode model approach

“…Research on personality predispositions that may increase an individual's vulnerability to interpret the tinnitus symptom in a threatening manner is heterogeneous (13). This heterogeneity may be partly owed to a dissociation between individuals with or without identified inner-ear pathology one the one hand (where an underlying medical condition may explain initial symptom onset) and idiosyncratic psychological vulnerability-stress profiles that influence the psychological 'style' in which the symptom is appraised on the other hand (14)(15)(16)(17).…”

Effects of a Training and Education Program on Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Towards Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Prevention Among Vector Control Workers

“…In addition to the auditory impact, which includes hearing loss, exposure to excessive noise also increases the risk of anxiety, hypertension, cardiovascular illnesses, and cognitive impairment (9). NIHL also affects quality of life due to difficulties with social and emotional communication (10). There is still a dearth of research in Malaysia aimed at the prevention of NIHL despite its documented effects on health, safety, cost, and productivity (11,12).…”