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Familial aggregation of tinnitus: a European multicentre study.
J J Hendrickx1, J R Huyghe, K Demeester
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium. j.j.hendrickx@planet.nl
B-ENT
|January 30, 2008
Summary
Tinnitus shows a significant familial effect, suggesting inherited factors may play a role. This finding supports further research into the genetic basis of tinnitus.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Tinnitus affects 20% of older adults and is linked to central auditory system changes.
- The influence of genetic factors on tinnitus remains understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of a familial effect in tinnitus.
- To explore potential genetic contributions to tinnitus development.
Main Methods:
- A European multicentre study involving 198 families with at least 3 siblings.
- Tinnitus presence assessed via questionnaire; familial aggregation tested using mixed models, correlations, and risk estimation.
Main Results:
- All tested methods confirmed a significant familial effect for tinnitus.
- This effect remained significant after adjusting for hearing loss, gender, and age.
- The familial correlation for tinnitus was found to be 0.15.
Conclusions:
- The observed familial effect warrants further investigation into shared environments versus genetic factors.
- Future association studies could identify specific genetic factors contributing to tinnitus.
- The role of role models in tinnitus treatment should be emphasized.
