Prevalence and predictors of problematic tinnitus

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Tinnitus, the perception of sound without external stimuli, affects a significant portion of the population.
• Understanding the prevalence and contributing factors of problematic tinnitus is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and characteristics of problematic tinnitus in a representative United States (US) sample.
• To identify factors associated with problematic tinnitus.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database (2011-2012 and 2015-2016).
• Analysis included 8029 records.
• Statistical analyses included univariate and multivariable models to assess relationships between tinnitus severity and various factors.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of any tinnitus was 16.32%, while problematic tinnitus (defined as a big problem or worse) was reported by only 1.38% of the sample.
• Tinnitus constancy and duration were significantly related to severity (p < 0.0001).
• Multivariable models indicated that constancy of tinnitus, higher Body Mass Index (BMI), sleep trouble, and comorbidities were associated with an increased odds ratio (OR) for problematic tinnitus.

Conclusions:

• Problematic tinnitus is less prevalent than general tinnitus.
• Factors such as constant tinnitus perception, higher BMI, sleep disturbances, and the presence of comorbidities are associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing problematic tinnitus.