Prevalence of tinnitus and hyperacusis in children and adolescents: a systematic review

Abstract

ObjectivesTo systematically review studies of the epidemiology of tinnitus and hyperacusis in children and young people, in order to determine the methodological differences implicated in the variability of prevalence estimates and the influence of population characteristics on childhood tinnitus and hyperacusis.Data sourcesArticles were retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus databases and from the relevant reference lists using the methods described in the study protocol, which has previously been published. Reporting Items for Systematic Review (PRISMA) guidelines were followed.Eligibility criteriaStudies addressing childhood prevalence, for example, children and young people aged 5–19 years.Data selection2 reviewers independently assessed the studies for eligibility, extracted data and assessed study consistency. Owing to the heterogeneity in the methodologies among the reported studies, only narrative synthesis of the results was carried out.ResultsHaving identified 1032 publications, 131 articles were selected and 25 articles met the inclusion criteria and had sufficient methodological consistency to be included. Prevalence estimates of tinnitus range from 4.7% to 46% in the general paediatric population and among children with normal hearing, and from 23.5% to 62.2% of population of children with hearing loss. Reported prevalence ranged from 6% to 41.9% when children with hearing loss and normal hearing were both included. The prevalence of hyperacusis varied from 3.2% to 17.1%.ConclusionsData on prevalence vary considerably according to the study design, study population and the research question posed. The age range of children studied was varied and a marked degree of variation between definitions (tinnitus, hyperacusis) and measures (severity, perception, annoyance) was observed. The lack of consistency among studies indicates the necessity of examining the epidemiology of tinnitus and hyperacusis in children and adolescents with a set of standardised criteria.Trial registration numberCRD42014013456.

Risk factors of pediatric tinnitus: Systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Holgers and Juul reported that approximately half of the subjects with tinnitus reported severe annoyance . Severe tinnitus was reported to range from 15.7% to 49.2% in those with normal hearing; however, this range was 13% to 33.3% in those with hearing impairment . Therefore, severely annoying tinnitus may have another combined pathomechanism.…”

“…7,8,29,47,48 According to previous studies that evaluated the prevalence of pediatric tinnitus by survey or questionnaire, tinnitus can be roughly divided into two categories: 1) spontaneous and self-expiring or 2) chronic and persistent with various degrees of annoyance. 49 When analyzing the studies that used a questionnaire, the details of the questionnaires differed between studies. 49 This study analyzed the risk factors in association with spontaneous and short-lasting tinnitus.…”

“…49 When analyzing the studies that used a questionnaire, the details of the questionnaires differed between studies. 49 This study analyzed the risk factors in association with spontaneous and short-lasting tinnitus. However, a more chronic and severe form of pediatric tinnitus may be more important in terms of treatment and management.…”

Salicylate increased ascorbic acid levels and neuronal activity in the rat auditory cortex

“…Epidemiological studies in different countries have shown that 10%–15% of adults are affected by tinnitus, and approximately 5% of adults suffer significantly . Although the reported frequencies of pediatric tinnitus have varied among different reports, a review by Rosing et al showed that 4.7%–46% of the general pediatric population of children with normal hearing experienced tinnitus, and 23.5%–62.2% of children with hearing loss experienced tinnitus. In addition, studies have shown that the tinnitus prevalence increased with age, for both juveniles and adults.…”

Evaluation and Treatment of Tinnitus

“…It is described as the sensation of noise in the absence of a corresponding external sound stimulus. Many individuals don't feel disturbed by this symptom [1][2][3][4][5][6]. On the other hand, however, the humming sensation can have a significantly negative impact on one's quality of life, besides being related to other problems that affect cognitive functions.…”