Association between sleep disorders, hyperacusis and tinnitus: evaluation with tinnitus questionnaires

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Otolaryngology
• Sleep Medicine

Background:

• Tinnitus patient populations are diverse, with various factors influencing their quality of life.
• Understanding the interplay between tinnitus, sleep disturbances, and hyperacusis is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between age, gender, sleep disorders, hyperacusis, and tinnitus annoyance.
• To assess the utility of tinnitus questionnaires as screening tools for sleep disorders and hyperacusis in tinnitus patients.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 37 tinnitus patients underwent interviews, otological examinations, audiometry, and completed the TSCH and THI.
• Statistical analyses included Wilcoxon's rank sum test, Spearman's rho correlation, and logistic regression.

Main Results:

• 54% of patients reported sleep disorders, and 54% reported hyperacusis; 30% reported both.
• No significant correlation was found between tinnitus severity and patient age or gender.
• Significant correlations were observed between sleep disorders (P=0.0009) and hyperacusis (P=0.03) with tinnitus annoyance.

Conclusions:

• Tinnitus Sample Case History (TSCH) and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) can serve as valuable screening tools in clinical practice.
• Identifying sleep disorders and hyperacusis is essential for managing tinnitus annoyance and improving patient quality of life.