[Features of tinnitus in older patients with autonomic dysfunction].

OBJECTIVE

To establish the features of tinnitus in older age patients with autonomic dysfunction.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

We examined 94 patients aged 60 to 93 years (average age is 75.4±3.2 years). Patients with an imbalance of the autonomic nervous system were identified according to the questionnaire of A.M. Wayne and Kerdo's autonomic index. The questionnaires assessing the strength of subjective ear noise, the psychoemotional state of patients, the impact of tinnitus on various spheres of life were used in this study.

RESULTS

It was revealed that more than 50% of patients of older age groups with tinnitus had a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. Patients with parasympathicotonia more often noted bilateral persistent subjective ear noise than patients with sympathicotonia.

CONCLUSIONS

Autonomic dysfunction could be the cause of sleep disturbances, psychoemotional disorders and a decrease in the quality of life.