Downloads: 3 | Views: 151 | Weekly Hits: ⮙1 | Monthly Hits: ⮙1

Research Paper | Otorhinolaryngology | India | Volume 12 Issue 6, June 2023 | Popularity: 5.5 / 10

Rate This Article!      

Quantifying the Intangible: The Challenges and Potential Solutions in Measuring Tinnitus

Sanjay Kumar, Kashiroygoud Biradar

Abstract: Objective: The objective of this cohort study was to conduct a comprehensive investigation of diverse facets of tinnitus, encompassing demographic and clinical features, measurement methodologies, tinnitus attributes, and their correlations with psychological distress and quality of life. Methods: A group of 100 individuals who were diagnosed with tinnitus and were aged ranged from 25 to 75 years was chosen from a tertiary care center. The study's inclusion criteria encompassed a willingness to participate for the complete two-year duration, while individuals with severe psychiatric conditions, cognitive impairments, or unrelated significant hearing disorders were excluded. The assessment of tinnitus characteristics involved the utilization of measurement tools such as Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE), self-reporting methods, and audiometric tests. Data were gathered at regular intervals of six months to account for possible variations over the course of time. Results: A significant proportion of the subjects exhibited tinnitus characterized by high-frequency pitch, while roughly 56% of the sample reported moderate loudness levels. The study found a robust positive association between the loudness of tinnitus and psychological distress. Additionally, tinnitus pitch demonstrated a noteworthy positive correlation with psychological distress and a moderately positive correlation with quality of life. The investigation additionally disclosed connections between the duration of tinnitus and the quality of life; however, the associations exhibited low strength and lacked statistical significance. Conclusion: The current cohort study offers significant insights into the features of tinnitus and their correlations with psychological distress and quality of life. The results underscore the significance of utilizing thorough evaluation methodologies, such as Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE), to achieve precise quantification of tinnitus attributes. The findings of the study provide valuable insights into the effects of tinnitus on individuals and have significant implications for the clinical management of tinnitus. Subsequent investigations ought to concentrate on devising interventions that are tailored to address distinct tinnitus attributes and examining the interplay between tinnitus and concurrent ailments. In general, this research contributes to the understanding of tinnitus, providing valuable insights for clinical application and directing future investigations in this area.

Keywords: tinnitus, cohort study, measurement techniques, psychological distress, quality of life

Edition: Volume 12 Issue 6, June 2023

Pages: 1386 - 1390

DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.21275/SR23612174512

Make Sure to Disable the Pop-Up Blocker of Web Browser

Click to Cite this Article