Tinnitus severity and chronicity in relation to hearing loss: a population-based study

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Otolaryngology
• Public Health

Background:

• The established link between hearing loss and tinnitus is well-documented.
• However, the relationship between tinnitus-related distress and the extent of hearing impairment requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between tinnitus severity and hearing thresholds.
• Utilizing a large-scale, population-based dataset to explore this relationship.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from 10,028 participants in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2020-2022).
• Participants were categorized by tinnitus distress levels using the visual analogue scale (VAS): non-tinnitus, non-bothersome tinnitus (VAS 0-4), and bothersome tinnitus (VAS ≥5).
• Hearing thresholds were analyzed based on sex and tinnitus chronicity.

Main Results:

• A significant correlation was found between worsening hearing thresholds and increasing tinnitus-related distress (p < 0.001).
• The bothersome tinnitus group exhibited higher rates of moderate to severe hearing loss and lower rates of normal hearing.
• Males demonstrated worse hearing thresholds and greater tinnitus severity compared to females, particularly in the non-bothersome and bothersome tinnitus groups.

Conclusions:

• Tinnitus is significantly associated with hearing loss, even at mild distress levels.
• Increased tinnitus distress correlates with more severe hearing impairment.
• These findings underscore the need to consider tinnitus severity in hearing evaluations and patient counseling.