Effects of Tinnitus on Quality of Life Among Sawmill Workers

Abstract

Tinnitus is a sensation of sound without an external stimulus and it is a common phenomenon among noise exposed workers. Tinnitus can be very challenging for its sufferers and it could possibly affect their quality of life in various ways. This study aimed to find the effects of tinnitus on quality of life among noise exposed workers. This study was a prospective, community based cross sectional study involving 420 sawmill workers in Ile-Ife. Library and administrative staff of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife were used as control and the quality of life of all participants was evaluated with World Health Organization Quality of Life bref questionnaire. Self reported tinnitus severity was evaluated using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory. Correlation was done between quality of life scores and tinnitus severity scores. The sawmill workers were found to be predominantly males with a male to female ratio of 41: 1. Out of the 420 sawmill subjects, 41 (9.8%) had tinnitus and only one of control had tinnitus. There was a negative correlation between tinnitus and the physical, psychological and social domains of quality of life. Increase in tinnitus severity was found to be associated with a significant reduction in physical, psychological and social domains of the quality of life.