Body image and body concept in patients with chronic tinnitus

The literature leads us to assume that people suffering from tinnitus may also have negative feelings about their body concept and body image. This pilot study aimed to investigate patients with chronic tinnitus for the presence of disturbed body concept and body image, taking into account the subjective degree of distress and any depression. Sixty-five patients with chronic tinnitus (members of a support group) were interviewed concerning the subjective distress caused by their tinnitus, their body image and any depression. Overall, the study collective showed significantly less "vitality and body dynamics," "attractiveness/self-confidence" and was less pleased with "emphasis on the appearance of one's own body" than was a predetermined random sample of healthy controls. Comparison of those patients reporting severe tinnitus and those with mild tinnitus showed the former to suffer from significantly greater "uncertainty and concern" with regard to their bodies. In practice, problems involving a person's body image should be given greater consideration during examination and when planning treatment and, for example, therapy should incorporate body-related exercises.