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The association between tinnitus and posttraumatic stress disorder
1Department of Communicative Disorders, East Tennessee State University, Box 70643, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA. fagelson@etsu.edu
American Journal of Audiology
|December 7, 2007
Summary
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and tinnitus share neural mechanisms affecting auditory behaviors. Many veterans with tinnitus also have PTSD, experiencing worsened symptoms due to anxiety triggers.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Audiology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects nearly 10% of the population.
- Tinnitus prevalence is comparable to PTSD.
- Both conditions impact auditory behaviors like startle responses and loudness tolerance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physical and psychological relationship between PTSD and tinnitus.
- To explore how PTSD influences tinnitus severity and auditory responses.
Main Methods:
- A 4-year chart review of veterans receiving tinnitus services at a VAMC.
- Examination of patient case histories and tinnitus handicap self-assessments.
- Literature review on PTSD triggers and effects in the tinnitus population.
Main Results:
- 34% of tinnitus patients in the VAMC Tinnitus Clinic also had a PTSD diagnosis.
- Patients with both PTSD and tinnitus reported more severe tinnitus, sudden onset, sound tolerance issues, and sound-triggered exacerbation.
- These symptoms were more common in patients with PTSD compared to those with tinnitus only.
Conclusions:
- Shared neural mechanisms link PTSD and tinnitus, impacting auditory behaviors.
- Audiologists must recognize the heightened responses in patients with co-occurring PTSD and tinnitus.
- Specialized testing protocols and referrals are necessary for these patients.
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