Characteristics of tinnitus: investigation of over 1400 patients

The data in the literature concerning tinnitus characteristics are few and contrasting. Almost all data were collected by means of questionnaires mailed to the subjects, without considering the type of tinnitus and the eventual association with other otologic symptoms. To collect, in a homogeneous way and directly from patients, personal and relevant tinnitus data, we adopted a protocol of study that allowed us to select all patients suffering from idiopathic tinnitus, to obtain a wide range of information concerning the symptoms, and to compare qualitative and quantitative tinnitus data referred by patients with those obtained through audiometry. The age at which tinnitus appears more frequently is between 40 and 50 years. No significant differences between males and females were observed. The percentage of those reporting noise exposure was low. In most cases, the duration of the tinnitus was less than 1 year and more than 5 years. Loudness matching values show a homogeneous distribution for levels between 0 and 12 dB and over 15 dB, without correspondence with the subjective judgement of tinnitus intensity. Frequencies resulting high are those between 0 and 1000 Hz and those at 8000 Hz. There is a correspondence between loudness level and masking level and between loudness level and residual inhibition. Data resulting in this study underline the importance of a global evaluation of patients suffering from tinnitus, including subjective data and tinnitus measurements.