Risk factors and impacts of incident tinnitus in older adults

We used a representative older population-based cohort to establish the predictors and impacts of tinnitus.

A total of 1,214 participants of the Blue Mountains Hearing Study were followed for 5 years (1997-1999 to 2002-2004). The presence of tinnitus was assessed by an audiologist-administered questionnaire. Hearing impairment was defined as the pure tone average (PTA)(0.5-4KHz)>25 dB HL, in the better ear. Quality of life was measured by use of the Short Form 36-item Health Survey (SF-36). Depression was assessed using either the SF-36 (Mental Health Index, subscale) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale.

Symptomatic dizziness and hearing loss were significant risk factors for incident tinnitus, multivariable-adjusted odds ratio, 2.41 (95% confidence interval, 1.62-3.58) and odds ratio 2.31 (95% confidence interval, 1.46-3.66), respectively. Incident tinnitus cases demonstrated significantly lower mean SF-36 scores compared with subjects without tinnitus and were more likely to be depressed as assessed by both the Mental Health Index and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale.

Incident tinnitus was predicted by two otological risk factors, dizziness and hearing loss. Temporal data documented diminished quality of life and psychological well-being in those subjects experiencing tinnitus. This finding highlights the importance of effective intervention strategies to prevent potentially debilitating morbidity associated with tinnitus.