Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 5, 2026
Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Health-Related Quality-of-Life Profiles in Adults With Tinnitus
Preeti Pandey1,2,3, Hansapani Rodrigo2,4, Megan Kruger2,5
1Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora.
Purpose:
The study aimed to characterize the multidimensional burden of tinnitus on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using the EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) dimensions (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression) moving beyond symptom severity alone.
Method:
A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using baseline data (N = 428, Mage = 54.9 years, 51.9% female) from several clinical trials examining the efficacy of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for tinnitus. Data were collected using a series of online questionnaires including demographic, audiological, and clinical variables. HRQoL was assessed using the EQ-5D-5L profile dimensions.
Results:
Participants primarily reported no problems with mobility (76.6%), self-care (92.5%), and usual activities (65.2%); however, pain/discomfort (33.4%) and anxiety/depression (40.2%) were the most affected EQ-5D-5L dimensions at baseline. Higher tinnitus severity was consistently associated with worse outcomes across all dimensions (p < .05). A 10-point increase in Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) scores was associated with 53% and 51% higher odds of worse usual activities and anxiety/depression, respectively. Participants reporting a fully healthy EQ-5D-5L profile had substantially lower tinnitus severity compared with those with any reported problems (mean TFI: 39.0 vs. 55.3, d = 0.78). Cluster analyses identified a smaller subgroup with markedly poorer multidimensional health, characterized by higher tinnitus severity and greater psychological and sleep-related distress, with no significant differences in demographic or audiological characteristics between profiles.
Conclusions:
Tinnitus severity is associated with multidimensional reductions in HRQoL, particularly in functional activity and emotional health. The identification of a high-burden profile characterized by anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, and activity limitation highlights the need for integrated, biopsychosocial approaches to tinnitus management.
Supplemental Material:
https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.33307416.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...
01:29Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include: