Tinnitus Trends in Young Adults: Prevalence and Duration from 2008 to 2023

To assess for longitudinal changes in the prevalence, duration, and self-perceived impact of persistent tinnitus amongst young adults (ages 18-24) in the United States.

The adult National Health Interview Surveys (NHIS) for calendar years 2008 and 2023 were investigated for specific tinnitus related symptoms among young adults (ages 18-24). The prevalence of tinnitus in the past 12 months and the overall duration of tinnitus symptoms were determined and compared between the 2 survey years.

In 2023, an estimated 2.30 million young adults reported tinnitus in the prior 12 months, risk for which was increased with very loud sound exposure (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 2.6 [1.7-3.9]). Tinnitus was reported to be a moderate or big problem in 8.7% and 3.1% of respondents, respectively, and only 10.1% saw a medical specialist for their tinnitus. The prevalence of tinnitus increased from 5.8% in 2008 to 7.8% in 2023 (P = .030). From 2008 to 2023 there was also an increase in duration of tinnitus (P < .001).

Nationally representative data indicate a concerning increasing prevalence and duration of tinnitus among young adults with a significant self-perceived impact. This increasing prevalence of tinnitus may reflect underlying issues of noise exposure and merits further ongoing surveillance.

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