The Impact of Tinnitus on Sufferers in Indian Population

Abstract

Tinnitus is a very common complain and affects 7% of population and has been associated with a range of physical and emotional disorders (Hallam et al. in Br J Clin Psychol 27:213-222, 1988). Hence to understand the distress caused by tinnitus and its relationship with the nature of tinnitus so as to suggest the appropriate treatment, there is the need to study the impact of tinnitus of a group of tinnitus sufferers. This study could be done on the basis of verbal description of tinnitus, Audiological measurement of tinnitus and psychological characteristics of tinnitus in terms of distress, anxiety, depression and disturbance of personality, to understand the impact of tinnitus on sufferers. Fifty adults in the age range of 18-60 years with subjective tinnitus with bilateral normal hearing or pure SNHL ranging from mild to moderately severe were selected. An audiological profile of each subject was prepared on the basis of brief case history of subject, otoscopic examination, pure tone audiometry, impedance audiometry, frequency (pitch) and intensity (loudness) of tinnitus. A psychometric profile was developed by using Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire and Nature of Tinnitus Questionnaire. These questionnaires were translated and adopted in Hindi and Bengali language after appropriate standardization procedure. 60% reported that they do not have any idea regarding probable cause of their tinnitus. 74% subjects of this study reported that there is no fluctuation in the pitch of their tinnitus. However, 68% reported loudness of tinnitus is fluctuating. A weak co-relation has been seen between traditional audiological measures like pitch matching, loudness matching and subject's description of pitch and loudness of tinnitus. There was a significant correlation between the impact of tinnitus and disturbance of sleep caused by it with increase in depression and anger (0.483). However, no significant co-relation was seen between distressed caused by tinnitus and duration of tinnitus (-0.034). The multiple nature/ sounds of tinnitus had far more devastating effects or serious impact on 'tinnitus sufferers' than the single sound/ nature. Gender differences were also found among tinnitus sufferers while assessing the audiological and psychological measures of tinnitus. Female subjects also reported a higher level of emotional reaction with a mean of 35.9 to their tinnitus as compared to males with a mean of 31.7. Tinnitus has resulted in multifold effects/impacts on tinnitus sufferers where it has made them feel unhappy, tense, irritable, depressed, annoyed, distressed and frustrated. It has interfered with their enjoyment, their relaxation, their sleep, and forced them to avoid quiet environmental and social situations. These findings should further help in the overall management of the patient suffering from tinnitus.

Pitch and Loudness Tinnitus in Individuals with Presbycusis

“…More recent research, however, differs from our data, finding higher pitch value in women (average 3963.2 and 3602 Hz for right and left ears, respectively) than in men (3047.6 in RE and 3228Hz in LE). 32 Regarding the loudness of tinnitus, we observed differences between this study and previous studies, 16 18 where the authors report significantly higher loudness in men (42.3 dB for RE and 44.3 dB for LE) compared to women (35.7 dB for RE and 37.3 dB for LE). 18 …”

The relationship of perceived severity of tinnitus with depression, anxiety, hearing status, age and gender in individuals with tinnitus

“…Psychological reactions and negative associations can exacerbate the condition and, in effect, amplify the perception of tinnitus resulting in subsequent anxiety, depression, and other somatic complaints 8,10 . Several studies 7,11,12 ave also found that individuals with tinnitus were more socially withdrawn, reactive to stress, alienated, emotionally disturbed and less self-controlled. Study by Makar et al 13 found a significant correlation between the tinnitus severity and sleep disturbances, depression and anger.…”

A Prospective Study to Evaluate Effectiveness of a Tinnitus Relief Device in a Clinical Setup

“…An India-based research study conducted by Makar et al found "buzzing" as the most common type of tinnitus sound, followed by "whistling." 15 The mean HL in the study subject was approximately 35 dB. However, the mean HL in the referred study was approximately 53dB.…”