Prediction Models for Tinnitus Presence and the Impact of Tinnitus on Daily Life: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The presence of tinnitus does not necessarily imply associated suffering. Prediction models on the impact of tinnitus on daily life could aid medical professionals to direct specific medical resources to those (groups of) tinnitus patients with specific levels of impact. Models of tinnitus presence could possibly identify risk factors for tinnitus. We systematically searched the PubMed and EMBASE databases for articles published up to January 2021. We included all studies that reported on multivariable prediction models for tinnitus presence or the impact of tinnitus on daily life. Twenty-one development studies were included, with a total of 31 prediction models. Seventeen studies made a prediction model for the impact of tinnitus on daily life, three studies made a prediction model for tinnitus presence and one study made models for both. The risk of bias was high and reporting was poor in all studies. The most used predictors in the final impact on daily life models were depression- or anxiety-associated questionnaire scores. Demographic predictors were most common in final presence models. No models were internally or externally validated. All published prediction models were poorly reported and had a high risk of bias. This hinders the usability of the current prediction models. Methodological guidance is available for the development and validation of prediction models. Researchers should consider the importance and clinical relevance of the models they develop and should consider validation of existing models before developing new ones.

Development and internal validation of a prediction model for the presence of tinnitus in a Dutch population-based cohort

“…In a recent systematic review of prediction models, we noticed that demographic factors were mostly used as predictors in the final models on tinnitus experience. Whereas comorbidities were mostly used as predictors in models on tinnitus impact ( 11 ). In the current model on tinnitus experience, we found both demographic factors and comorbidities to be predictors.…”

“…In a recent systematic review of our research group, we identified four prediction models for assessing tinnitus presence. While the sample sizes of these studies were sufficient ( n = 4,950 to 168.348 per study), the statistical analyzes were often a source of bias ( 11 ).…”

Tinnitus risk factors and its evolution over time: a cohort study

“…Observed discrepancies in tinnitus experiences may be due variations in socio-demographic, psychological, hearing, or physical health. [9][10][11] Moreover, emotional and sleep disorders, often seen as consequences of tinnitus, may also be risk factors for its apparition or severity. In this case, psychosocial factors may instead contribute to shape how tinnitus is experienced by the patient.…”