Clinical Characteristics of Troublesome Pediatric Tinnitus
Annett Szibor1, Topi Jutila1, Antti Mäkitie1
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
Insights
Tinnitus affects children and adults equally, but recognition is delayed in children due to communication challenges. Early identification and characterization of pediatric tinnitus are crucial to prevent developmental issues.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Health
- Auditory Medicine
Background:
- Tinnitus prevalence is similar in children and adults.
- Pediatric tinnitus often goes unrecognized due to children's communication difficulties and lack of awareness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics and recognition delays of tinnitus in children.
- To highlight the need for improved identification and management of pediatric tinnitus.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 112 pediatric patients with tinnitus complaints between 2010 and 2015.
- Review of clinical history and medical status at presentation.
Main Results:
- Average delay from first complaint to clinical presentation was 12 months.
- 80% of children had normal hearing; hearing impairment was present in only 23 patients.
- Identified causes included hearing loss, noise trauma, and neck tension; common comorbidities were sleep and concentration disorders.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric tinnitus recognition is typically delayed.
- Better characterization of symptoms and triggers is needed to raise awareness among medical professionals and caregivers.
- Addressing pediatric tinnitus is essential to prevent potential developmental impairments.
Objectives:
The frequency of tinnitus in children and adults is practically the same. However, although adults reveal their symptoms and seek for medical aid, the suffering often remains unrecognized in the young. This is due to both the inability of children to properly describe their symptoms and the lack of recognition.
Materials And Methods:
Among 5768 patients entering our department with complaints of tinnitus between 2010 and 2015, there were only 112 children. A full clinical history and medical status had been determined at the time of presentation and were analyzed retrospectively.
Results:
The average duration from first complain to clinical presentation was approximately 12 months. A normal hearing capability of less than 25 dB was measured in 80% of the cases. Only 23 patients presented with a hearing impairment. The causes ranged from hearing loss, previous orthodontic treatment, noise trauma, middle ear aeration, muscular neck tension, and skull base fracture. Typical co-morbidities such as sleeping disorders, concentration disorders, and hyperacusis were observed.
Conclusions:
This retrospective study shows that recognition of tinnitus in the childhood is generally delayed. A better characterization of complaints and triggers, however, is a prerequisite to sensitize medical personnel and caretakers for the suffering and to avoid developmental impairments.
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