Comparison of tinnitus and psychological aspects between the younger and older adult patients with tinnitus

Publication date: Available online 4 May 2016
Source:Auris Nasus Larynx
Author(s): So Young Park, Jung Ju Han, Jae Hyung Hwang, Eul Sung Whang, Sang Won Yeo, Shi Nae Park
ObjectiveTo explore the differences in various tinnitus-related features and psychological aspects between the younger and older adult patients with tinnitus.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of the adult patients who visited our tinnitus clinic in 2013 and completed full tinnitus assessment including audiometry, tinnitus matching, standardized tinnitus questionnaires, and psychometric questionnaires. The younger group included patients aged 20–45 years (n=64), and the older group, those older than 65 years (n=76). Clinical features, hearing levels, matched tinnitus pitches and loudness, self-report tinnitus severity scores, Beck depression inventory scores, and stress scores were compared between the groups.ResultsTinnitus duration was longer in the older group (p=0.002). Mean PTAs were 16dB HL in the younger, and 38dB HL in the older groups (p<0.001). Eighty-nine percent of the younger patients had normal hearing, while 82% of the older patients had hearing loss (p<0.001). Matched tinnitus loudness was greater in the older group (64dB HL vs. 36dB HL, p<0.001). All of the self-report tinnitus, depression, and stress scores did not differ between the groups.ConclusionThe older patients seemed to be more receptive to tinnitus. The majority of older tinnitus patients had concomitant hearing loss, and thus hearing rehabilitation should be considered preferentially for tinnitus management in this age group. Subjective tinnitus severity, depressive symptoms, and the stress levels were similar between the younger and older tinnitus patients. Therefore, treatment could be planned based upon the comprehensive understanding of the tinnitus characteristics and psychological aspects in each patient irrespective of age.



from #ORL via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1Tluiph
via IFTTT