Effects of Composite Air Pollution and Genetic Susceptibility on Tinnitus Risk: A Large Population-Based Study

ImportanceTinnitus, affecting 10% to 15% of the global population, is a debilitating condition often linked to hearing loss and neurological disorders. While air pollution is a known risk factor for respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, its association with tinnitus remains underexplored.ObjectiveThis study investigates the association between air pollution, polygenic risk score (PRS), and tinnitus prevalence.DesignCross-sectional analysis.SettingUK Biobank (UKB) population-based cohort.ParticipantsSeventy-nine thousand two hundred seventy-seven individuals from the UKB with available tinnitus, air pollution, and genetic data.ExposuresAir pollution measures (PM_2.5, PM_2.5-10, PM₁₀, NO₂, and NO_x). A composite air pollution score was calculated, and PRS was derived from 6 tinnitus-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms.Main outcome measuresPrevalence, frequency, and severity of tinnitus. Logistic regression models were used, adjusting for sociodemographic, health, and hearing-related covariates.ResultsEach interquartile range increase in air pollution score was associated with higher odds of current tinnitus (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.03-1.08, P < .001), particularly transient tinnitus (OR = 1.04, P = .008). PRS was independently associated with prevalent tinnitus (P < .001), and higher OR were observed among individuals with both high air pollution exposure and high PRS (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.18-1.52, P < .001). Individual pollutants showed weaker associations.ConclusionA joint association of air pollution exposure and genetic susceptibility with tinnitus prevalence was observed in this cross-sectional analysis, highlighting the importance of integrated environmental and genetic assessments in auditory health.RelevanceOur findings emphasize the potential value of integrating environmental and genetic factors for risk stratification of tinnitus in populations.