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Cofactors of Pediatric Tinnitus: A Look at the Whole Picture
Jessica Levi1,2, Krystyne Basa1,2, Kevin Wong1,2
11 Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA USA.
Insights
This study on pediatric tinnitus found rhinosinusitis may be a predictor, unlike otitis media. Further research is needed on imaging and psychiatric links in young children with tinnitus.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Audiology
- Child Psychiatry
Background:
- Pediatric tinnitus is complex, with varied potential contributing factors.
- Understanding cofactors is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify predictors and cofactors associated with pediatric tinnitus.
- To investigate the prevalence of certain conditions in children with tinnitus compared to the general population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 248 children (aged 1-19) with tinnitus.
- Analysis of demographics, symptoms, medical history, imaging, and lab results.
- Comparison with general population data.
Main Results:
- 87% of children had normal hearing.
- Lower incidence of otitis media and Eustachian tube dysfunction observed.
- Higher incidence of rhinosinusitis noted; prevalence of dizziness, asthma, and hearing loss similar to the general population.
Conclusions:
- Rhinosinusitis may be a significant cofactor in pediatric tinnitus.
- Gaps exist in understanding the role of imaging and psychiatric diagnoses in younger children.
- Improved patient reporting and objective testing are needed for pediatric tinnitus detection.
Abstract:
Retrospective chart review of 248 children (1-19 years old) with tinnitus who presented to a tertiary pediatric hospital between 2006 and 2011, looking at which cofactors are predictors of pediatric tinnitus. In our review, we extracted demographics, symptoms, historical data, imaging, and laboratory results; we compared with the general population. Eighty-seven percent had normal hearing. Age distribution, noise exposure, and frequency of psychiatric diagnoses in our cohort were consistent with previous reports. We found a lower incidence of otitis media and the same prevalence of dizziness, asthma, and hearing loss as the general population, a lower prevalence of Eustachian tube dysfunction, otitis media, headaches, and higher incidence of rhinosinusitis. Lack of patient reporting and objective testing complicate the ability to detect pediatric tinnitus. We revealed a gap in the literature regarding rhinosinusitis as a cofactor, imaging during diagnosis, and if psychiatric diagnoses are associated with tinnitus in younger children.
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