Cluster Analysis to Identify Possible Subgroups in Tinnitus Patients.
Minke J C van den Berge1,2, Rolien H Free1,2, Rosemarie Arnold1
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.
Frontiers in Neurology
|April 20, 2017
Summary
Tinnitus patient subgroups were explored using cluster analysis, revealing that external influences differentiate groups. However, the analysis indicated a continuum of tinnitus experiences rather than distinct patient subgroups.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Otolaryngology
- Psychology
Background:
- Tinnitus management is shifting towards personalized, patient-tailored approaches.
- Understanding tinnitus heterogeneity can improve treatment selection and identify patients with severe mental distress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify distinct subgroups within a large cohort of tinnitus patients.
Main Methods:
- Cluster analysis was performed on data from 1,783 severe tinnitus patients.
- Two approaches were used for variable selection: principal component analysis and expert opinion.
- Two separate cluster analyses were conducted, yielding three- and four-cluster solutions.
Main Results:
- Cluster analysis indicated that the effect of external influences was the most discriminative factor between potential patient groups.
- Both analyses resulted in low silhouette measures (0.2), suggesting a lack of substantial cluster structure.
- The identified clusters showed poor stability, indicating no clearly defined subgroups.
Conclusions:
- Tinnitus patient populations may represent a continuum rather than discrete subgroups.
- External influences play a role in differentiating patient experiences, but stable subgroups were not identified.
- Further research is needed to refine patient stratification for personalized tinnitus management.
