<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>

Introduction: Tinnitus is a common irritating symptom. Tinnitus functional index (TFI) and measurements of tinnitus match are useful tools for evaluating tinnitus impact. This study aimed at comparing the hearing thresholds to the Quality of life (QoL) of tinnitus patients.Methodology: Clinical assessment, Pure tone audiometry (PTA), and QoL assessment were carried out. The data gathered from the study were evaluated and results were interpreted. Results:The mean age of tinnitus subjects was 51.7 years. Male to female ratio was 1:1.4. Higher number of subjects experienced chronic tinnitus. High frequency and the tinnitus loudness above 15dB were the highest among them. The association between the QoL assessment and tinnitus loudness match (TLM) was statistically significant. Similarly, there was positive correlation between the TFI scores and pure tone average (PTAv), tinnitus pitch match and TLM. Conclusion:Most patients described their experience of tinnitus as a big problem. There was a positive correlation between the pure tone average, TLM and the QoL measure. Routine measurement of tinnitus distress with TFI and psychoacoustic assessments were advocated.