Introduction: Tinnitus is usually a chronic (ongoing) condition which in many cases significantly impairs the affected person's quality of life. Their habituation to tinnitus depends on the patient's personality resources. The aim of this research was to determine if a particular psychological meta-resource, in this case a sense of coherence, is related to the perceived annoyance of tinnitus. Material and methods:The study included 176 people (123 females, 53 males) aged 31-80 (M = 59.1) diagnosed with tinnitus. To measure the sense of coherence, we used the Sense of Coherence Questionnaire (SOC 29), and to evaluate the tinnitus annoyance, we used the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI). The subjects also filled in a survey to capture sociodemographic data and their medical history. Results:The sense of coherence (in total and in particular aspects) turned out to be significantly correlated with tinnitus annoyance (in total and in particular aspects). The overall level of coherence turned out to be an essential predictor for the overall level of tinnitus annoyance. The degree of manageability was a particularly important component of the sense of coherence which affected tinnitus annoyance. Conclusions:In people with a strong sense of coherence, especially with a strong manageability component, there is a lower level of tinnitus annoyance. Psychological interventions -counselling, psychoeducation, psychotherapy -support the development of a sense of coherence and can reduce tinnitus annoyance.

Background Tinnitus is a common and, in many cases, chronic condition. Coping with a chronic ailment is a long-term process, which also depends on the personality of the individual. One important personality resource is ego-resiliency, i.e., how flexible the person is in adapting to the impulse to control their environment. Purpose The aim of the study was to determine whether ego-resiliency affects the perceived level of tinnitus annoyance. Research Design This was a questionnaire study combined with a retrospective analysis of medical data. Study Sample The study involved 176 people with diagnosed chronic tinnitus who volunteered to participate (53 men and 123 women aged 31 to 80 years). Data Collection and Analysis The following tools were used: Ego-Resiliency Scale (SPP-25) to measure ego-resiliency, Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) to assess the impact of tinnitus on daily life, and a survey of sociodemographics and tinnitus history. Results The conducted research showed that men had higher ego-resiliency than women. Older subjects (over 60 years) had higher ego-resiliency than younger ones. There was a negative correlation between ego-resiliency and the perceived annoyance of tinnitus. Regression analysis showed that a person’s ability to cope and to tolerate negative emotions were the only factors of ego- resiliency that were a significant predictor of tinnitus annoyance. Conclusions • People with a high level of personal ability to cope and to tolerate negative emotions are likely to experience decreased tinnitus annoyance. • Ego-resiliency levels should be considered when diagnosing and planning interventions for people with tinnitus. • In psychological intervention programs for people with tinnitus, it is worthwhile developing ego-resiliency, paying particular attention to positive emotions which are crucial in building it. • Research should be continued on other personal resources affecting perceived tinnitus annoyance.