The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory Total Score: What Really Counts? Experience on a Sample of 1156 Patients.

BACKGROUND

Tinnitus is a frequent symptom, and is present in 10-15% of people who suffer from chronic tinnitus, defined as heard every day for at least 6 months. Among these, 1-2% develop a strong emotive reaction, anxiety, and depression, leading to poor quality of life.

OBJECTIVES

to evaluate the comorbidities in tinnitus sufferers.

METHODS

In our retrospective study, we collected data on 1156 subjects with tinnitus present for at least 3 months, including age, audiometric exam, THI questionnaire, vascular disorders, fluctuations, causal factors, lifetime psychiatric disorders, and the presence of migraine. A linear regression model was used to assess the independent role of these variables on the THI total score representing tinnitus annoyance. A lifetime history of psychiatric disorders and migraine were predictive for the development of a disabling tinnitus.

RESULTS

Among comorbidities a history of previous psychiatric disorders was predictive for developing tinnitus. Moreover, no correlation has been found between hearing level and THI total score.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data are not inconsistent with the hypothesis that psychological disorders and a particular personality trait may be the main causal factors for tinnitus annoyance.