The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Tinnitus Loudness and Severity: A Cross-Sectional Study

Tinnitus is characterized by the perception of sound in the absence of an external stimulus and affects about 14.4% of the adult population. Psychological co-morbidities such as stress, anxiety, and depression can largely influence the patient's perception of tinnitus loudness and severity. Research has shown that these psychological conditions improve when patients are more physically active. To date, however, it is unclear if physical activity also affects tinnitus loudness and severity. Therefore, this study aims to uncover the relationship between physical activity and tinnitus loudness and severity in patients with tinnitus.

In this cross-sectional study, 2751 adult patients (55.5% male, mean age: 52.3 ± 14.6 years) with tinnitus were included. All participants completed the comprehensive version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire via an online survey. Tinnitus loudness and severity were assessed using self-reported Likert scales. Potential connections between different aspects of physical activity and tinnitus loudness and severity were explored using adjusted logistic regression models, and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated.

Patients who engage more in moderate (OR = 0.962) or vigorous-intensity activities (OR = 0.884) during leisure time showed significantly lower scores for tinnitus loudness. Furthermore, patients who engage more in vigorous-intensity activities during leisure time showed significantly lower scores for tinnitus severity (OR = 0.890).

This study indicates that physical activity intensity during leisure time may attenuate tinnitus loudness and severity. Future prospective studies are needed to investigate the potential causal role of optimizing physical activity patterns to reduce tinnitus loudness and severity.