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Aazh H, Moore BCJ, Erfanian M. Confirmatory factor analysis of the Tinnitus Impact Questionnaire using data from patients seeking help for tinnitus alone or tinnitus combined with hyperacusis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302837. [PMID: 38718050 PMCID: PMC11078403 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the Tinnitus Impact Questionnaire (TIQ) was performed. In contrast to commonly used tinnitus questionnaires, the TIQ is intended solely to assess the impact of tinnitus by not including items related to hearing loss or tinnitus loudness. This was a psychometric study based on a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of clinical data. Data were available for 155 new patients who had attended a tinnitus and hyperacusis clinic in the UK within a five-month period and had completed the TIQ. The mean age was 54 years (standard deviation = 14 years). The TIQ demonstrated good internal consistency, with Cronbach's α = 0.84 and McDonald's ω = 0.89. CFA showed that two items of the TIQ had low factor loadings for both one-factor and two-factor models and their scores showed low correlations with scores for other items. Bi-factor analysis gave a better fit, indicated by a relative chi-square (χ2) of 18.5, a Root-Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) of 0.103, a Comparative Fit Index (CFI) of 0.97, a Tucker Lewis Index (TLI) of 0.92, and a Standardized Root-Mean Residual (SPMR) of 0.038. Total TIQ scores were moderately correlated with scores for the Visual Analogue Scale of effect of tinnitus on life and the Screening for Anxiety and Depression-Tinnitus questionnaire, supporting the convergent validity of the TIQ. The TIQ score was not correlated with the pure-tone average hearing threshold, indicating discriminant validity. A multiple-causes multiple-indicator (MIMIC) model showed no influences of age, gender or hearing status on TIQ item scores. The TIQ is an internally consistent tool. CFA suggests a bi-factor model with sufficient unidimensionality to support the use of the overall TIQ score for assessing the impact of tinnitus. TIQ scores are distinct from the impact of hearing impairment among patients who have tinnitus combined with hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hashir Aazh
- Hashir International Specialist Clinics & Research Institute for Misophonia, Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Ltd, London, United Kingdom
- Audiology Department, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Brian C. J. Moore
- Hashir International Specialist Clinics & Research Institute for Misophonia, Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Ltd, London, United Kingdom
- Cambridge Hearing Group, Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Mercede Erfanian
- Hashir International Specialist Clinics & Research Institute for Misophonia, Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Ltd, London, United Kingdom
- Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, The Bartlett, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Aazh H, McFerran D, Danesh AA, Louw C, Moore BCJ. A comparison of interaural asymmetry, audiogram slope, and psychometric measures of tinnitus, hyperacusis, anxiety and depression for patients with unilateral and bilateral tinnitus. Int J Audiol 2024; 63:373-380. [PMID: 36688600 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2022.2160383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate differences in tinnitus impact, hyperacusis and hearing threshold level (HTL) between patients with unilateral and bilateral tinnitus. For patients with unilateral tinnitus, to compare audiological variables for the tinnitus ear and the non-tinnitus ear. To assess whether the presence of unilateral tinnitus increases the likelihood of interaural hearing asymmetry (relative to bilateral tinnitus) that warrants referral for an MRI scan. DESIGN Retrospective cross-sectional. STUDY SAMPLE Data regarding HTLs and responses to self-report questionnaires were collected from the records of 311 patients attending a tinnitus clinic. RESULTS 38.5% had unilateral tinnitus and the ears with tinnitus had higher HTLs and greater HTL slopes than the ears without tinnitus. There was no significant difference in tinnitus impact and hyperacusis between patients with unilateral and bilateral tinnitus. 40% of patients with unilateral tinnitus and 13% of patients with bilateral tinnitus had a between-ear difference in HTL ≥15 dB at two adjacent frequencies (2AF15 asymmetry). Unilateral tinnitus increased the risk of 2AF15 asymmetry by a factor of 4.4. CONCLUSIONS Unilateral tinnitus increases the risk of having interaural asymmetry in HTLs that warrants referral for an MRI scan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hashir Aazh
- Audiology Department, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, UK
- Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
- Hashir International Specialist Clinics & Research Institute for Misophonia, Tinnitus and Hyperacusis, London, UK
| | | | - Ali A Danesh
- Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Christine Louw
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Brian C J Moore
- Cambridge Hearing Group, Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Yang D, Zhang D, Zhang X, Li X. Tinnitus-associated cognitive and psychological impairments: a comprehensive review meta-analysis. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1275560. [PMID: 38389785 PMCID: PMC10881733 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1275560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Tinnitus is strongly associated with an increased risk of cognitive disabilities. The findings of this research will provide valuable support for future investigations aimed at determining the correlation between tinnitus and the risk of cognitive impairments. Objectives We investigated the potential correlation between tinnitus and the risk of various cognitive impairments, such as dementia, compromised learning attention, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The study examined this relationship collectively and by categorizing the data based on different age groups. Methods We compiled data from case-control studies and cohort studies obtained from reputable databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase. To minimize potential bias, two reviewers independently assessed the selected articles. After extracting the data, we calculated the pooled odds ratios (ORs) using a random-effects model. Results Seventeen relevant studies, comprising an adult population, were included in this analysis. Pooled estimated outcomes revealed a strong association between tinnitus and an elevated risk of dementia-compromised learning, auditory attention, anxiety, depression, and poor sleep quality (P<0.05). Furthermore, the pooled analysis stratified by age demonstrated that patients aged above 60 years, in comparison to those aged 18 to 60 years, exhibited more significant outcomes in relation to the progression of cognitive impairments. Conclusion Tinnitus has the potential to increase the risk of cognitive impairments. Moreover, geriatric patients aged above 60 shows a higher susceptibility to developing cognitive disabilities compared to their younger counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Yang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinmiao Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Beijing, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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Aazh H, Kartsonaki C, Moore BCJ. Psychometric evaluation of the 4C tinnitus management questionnaire for patients with tinnitus alone or tinnitus combined with hyperacusis. Int J Audiol 2024; 63:21-29. [PMID: 36426916 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2022.2143430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the psychometric properties of a new questionnaire evaluating patients' confidence in managing their tinnitus, the 4C tinnitus management questionnaire (4C), which was designed to be used in the process of cognitive behavioural therapy. DESIGN Retrospective cross-sectional based on patient records. STUDY SAMPLES 99 consecutive patients who sought help for tinnitus (with or without hyperacusis) from an audiology clinic in the UK. Pure tone average (PTA) hearing thresholds, Uncomfortable Loudness Levels (ULLs), and responses to the 4C questionnaire, Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Hyperacusis Questionnaire (HQ), and Screening for Anxiety and Depression in Tinnitus (SAD-T) questionnaire were gathered from the records of patients held at the audiology department. RESULTS Cronbach's alpha for the 4C was 0.91, indicating high internal consistency. Exploratory factor analysis suggested a one-factor solution. Discriminant validity was supported by weak correlations between 4C scores and PTA across ears and ULLmin (the across-frequency average ULL for the ear with lower average ULL). Convergent validity was supported by moderate correlations between 4C scores and scores for the THI, HQ, and SAD-T. CONCLUSIONS The 4C is an internally consistent questionnaire with high convergent and discriminant validity, which can be used to assess patients' confidence in managing their tinnitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hashir Aazh
- Audiology Department, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, UK
- Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, USA
- Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Christiana Kartsonaki
- MRC Population Health Research Unit, Clinical Trials Service Unit and Epidemiological Studies Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Brian C J Moore
- Cambridge Hearing Group, Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Xia Q, Yang S, Ji F. The characteristics of hearing loss in outpatients with tinnitus over the age of 60: a 11-year cross-sectional study. Acta Otolaryngol 2023; 143:753-758. [PMID: 37772756 DOI: 10.1080/00016489.2023.2259952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Presbycusis with tinnitus has a significant impact on the quality of life of elderly patients, becoming a serious socioeconomic problem. OBJECTIVES We conducted an 11-year cross-sectional analysis of the audiometry results of elderly patients with tinnitus from 2011 to 2021. METHODS 9642 patients aged 60 and over were divided into three groups: young-old (YO) (60-74), old-old (OO) (75-89), and longevous (LON) (90 and over). Pure-tone audiometry results of all patients were analyzed. RESULTS Among 9642 patients, the cases of female with tinnitus were more than male in all years. The hearing curve showed a typical age-related decline. Hearing level of air conduction in female declined significantly at low frequencies while that of male was worse at high frequencies in YO and OO groups. Compared with right, left hearing level of air conduction was significantly decreased at all frequencies except 0.125 kHz. CONCLUSIONS When the chief complaint was tinnitus, women were likely to experience more distress than men. However, men suffered from more hearing loss than women, at least in high frequencies. The influence weight of presbycusis and tinnitus on the auditory cortices might be a possible reason for the lateral distinction of hearing loss at different ages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Xia
- College of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shiming Yang
- College of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Otolaryngologic Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Ji
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Otolaryngologic Diseases, Beijing, China
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Aazh H, Hayes C, Moore BCJ, Vitoratou S. Psychometric evaluation of the tinnitus impact questionnaire using patients seeking help for tinnitus or tinnitus with hyperacusis. Int J Audiol 2023; 62:835-844. [PMID: 35916560 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2022.2101027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Tinnitus Impact Questionnaire (TIQ), whose questions focus on assessing the impact of tinnitus on the patient's day to day activities, mood, and sleep, and not on hearing difficulties. DESIGN This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. STUDY SAMPLE Data were included for 172 adult patients who attended a tinnitus and hyperacusis clinic in the UK within a six-month period and who had completed the TIQ. RESULTS Two items whose scores were very highly correlated with those for other items were removed, leaving seven items. Exploratory factor analysis suggested a single factor for the TIQ. A multiple causes multiple indicator model showed significant but very small direct effects of age on TIQ scores for two items, after adjustment for gender. The TIQ had excellent internal consistency, with Cronbach's alpha = 0.89. The total TIQ score was moderately to strongly correlated with scores for the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, Screening for Anxiety and Depression-Tinnitus questionnaire, Hyperacusis Questionnaire, and Hyperacusis Impact Questionnaire, indicating convergent validity. The TIQ score was weakly correlated with the pure-tone average hearing threshold, indicating discriminant validity. CONCLUSIONS The TIQ is a brief, valid and internally consistent questionnaire for assessing the impact of tinnitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hashir Aazh
- Audiology Department, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, UK
| | - Chloe Hayes
- Psychometric and Measurement Lab, Biostatistics and Health Informatics Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neurosciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Brian C J Moore
- Cambridge Hearing Group, Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Silia Vitoratou
- Psychometric and Measurement Lab, Biostatistics and Health Informatics Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neurosciences, King's College London, London, UK
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Rademaker MM, Meijers SM, Smit AL, Stegeman I. Prediction Models for Tinnitus Presence and the Impact of Tinnitus on Daily Life: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12020695. [PMID: 36675624 PMCID: PMC9861218 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12020695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence of tinnitus does not necessarily imply associated suffering. Prediction models on the impact of tinnitus on daily life could aid medical professionals to direct specific medical resources to those (groups of) tinnitus patients with specific levels of impact. Models of tinnitus presence could possibly identify risk factors for tinnitus. We systematically searched the PubMed and EMBASE databases for articles published up to January 2021. We included all studies that reported on multivariable prediction models for tinnitus presence or the impact of tinnitus on daily life. Twenty-one development studies were included, with a total of 31 prediction models. Seventeen studies made a prediction model for the impact of tinnitus on daily life, three studies made a prediction model for tinnitus presence and one study made models for both. The risk of bias was high and reporting was poor in all studies. The most used predictors in the final impact on daily life models were depression- or anxiety-associated questionnaire scores. Demographic predictors were most common in final presence models. No models were internally or externally validated. All published prediction models were poorly reported and had a high risk of bias. This hinders the usability of the current prediction models. Methodological guidance is available for the development and validation of prediction models. Researchers should consider the importance and clinical relevance of the models they develop and should consider validation of existing models before developing new ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaike M. Rademaker
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
- UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sebastiaan M. Meijers
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
- UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Adriana L. Smit
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
- UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Inge Stegeman
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
- UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
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Aazh H. Commentary: Consensus definition of misophonia. Front Neurosci 2023; 16:1077097. [PMID: 36685217 PMCID: PMC9846162 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1077097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hashir Aazh
- Audiology Department, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, United Kingdom,Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States,Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences (FEPS), University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom,Hashir International Specialist Clinics and Research Institute for Misophonia, Tinnitus and Hyperacusis, Guildford, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Hashir Aazh ✉
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Hyperacusis: Loudness Intolerance, Fear, Annoyance and Pain. Hear Res 2022; 426:108648. [DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2022.108648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Aazh H, Erfanian M, Danesh AA, Moore BCJ. Audiological and Other Factors Predicting the Presence of Misophonia Symptoms Among a Clinical Population Seeking Help for Tinnitus and/or Hyperacusis. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:900065. [PMID: 35864982 PMCID: PMC9294447 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.900065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper evaluates the proportion and the audiological and other characteristics of patients with symptoms of misophonia among a population seeking help for tinnitus and/or hyperacusis at an audiology clinic (n = 257). To assess such symptoms, patients were asked "over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems? Feeling angry or anxious when hearing certain sounds related to eating noises, lip-smacking, sniffling, breathing, clicking sounds, tapping?". The results of routine audiological tests and self-report questionnaires were gathered retrospectively from the records of the patients. Measures included: pure tone audiometry, uncomfortable loudness levels (ULLs), and responses to the tinnitus impact questionnaire (TIQ), the hyperacusis impact questionnaire (HIQ), and the screening for anxiety and depression in tinnitus (SAD-T) questionnaire. The mean age of the patients was 53 years (SD = 16) (age range 17 to 97 years). Fifty four percent were female. Twenty-three percent of patients were classified as having misophonia. The presence and frequency of reporting misophonia symptoms were not related to audiometric thresholds, except that a steeply sloping audiogram reduced the likelihood of frequent misophonia symptoms. Those with more frequent misophonia symptoms had lower values of ULLmin (the across-frequency average of ULLs for the ear with lower average ULLs) than those with less frequent or no reported symptoms. The reported frequency of experiencing misophonia symptoms increased with increasing impact of tinnitus (TIQ score ≥9), increasing impact of hyperacusis (HIQ score >11), and symptoms of anxiety and depression (SAD-T score ≥4). It is concluded that, when assessing individuals with tinnitus and hyperacusis, it is important to screen for misophonia, particularly when ULLmin is abnormally low or the TIQ, HIQ or SAD-T score is high. This will help clinicians to distinguish patients with misophonia, guiding the choice of therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hashir Aazh
- Audiology Department, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, United Kingdom
- Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States
- Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences (FEPS), University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Mercede Erfanian
- UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, The Bartlett, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ali A. Danesh
- Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States
| | - Brian C. J. Moore
- Cambridge Hearing Group, Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Aazh H, Danesh AA, Moore BCJ. Self-Reported Tinnitus Severity Prior to and During the COVID-19 Lockdown in the United Kingdom. J Am Acad Audiol 2022; 32:562-566. [PMID: 35176799 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1731733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The aim of this study was to assess whether the severity of tinnitus, as measured using ratings of tinnitus loudness, annoyance, and effect on life, was influenced by the lockdown related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. RESEARCH DESIGN This was a retrospective study. STUDY SAMPLE The data for 105 consecutive patients who were seen at a tinnitus clinic in an audiology department in the United Kingdom during the COVID-19 lockdown between April and June 2020 and 123 patients seen in the same period of the previous year, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic were included. DATA COLLECTION Demographic data for the patients, results of their pure-tone audiometry, and their score on visual analog scale (VAS) of tinnitus loudness, annoyance, and effect on life were imported from their records held at the audiology department. This was a retrospective survey comparing ratings on the VAS of tinnitus loudness, annoyance, and effect on life for consecutive patients seen during the COVID-19 lockdown and consecutive patients seen in the same period of the previous year, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients seen prior to lockdown used a pen and paper version of the VAS, while the patients who were assessed during the COVID-19 lockdown used an adapted version of the VAS, via telephone. All patients were seeking help for their tinnitus for the first time. RESULTS The mean scores for tinnitus loudness, annoyance, and effect on life did not differ significantly for the groups seen prior to and during lockdown. CONCLUSION Any changes in psychological well-being or stress produced by the lockdown did not significantly affect ratings of the severity of tinnitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hashir Aazh
- Department of Audiology, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Ali A Danesh
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida
| | - Brian C J Moore
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Hearing Group, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Shin SH, Byun SW, Kim SJ, Lee HY. Measures of Subjective Tinnitus: What Does Visual Analog Scale Stand for? J Am Acad Audiol 2022; 33:92-97. [PMID: 36049754 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1736649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with tinnitus may have different severity levels of tinnitus distress. Visual analog scale (VAS) is a simple method to measure the extent of subjective distress caused by tinnitus. It includes ratings of tinnitus loudness, awareness, annoyance, and impact of tinnitus on life. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate what led to different distress levels in patients with bilateral tinnitus by analyzing the relationships among all subscales of VAS scores for tinnitus distress and the documented variables. RESEARCH DESIGN This study was a retrospective cohort study. STUDY SAMPLE The medical records of 268 patients who visited a tinnitus clinic between March and December 2020 were reviewed. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Epidemiologic characteristics, subjective tinnitus distress factors including tinnitus loudness, awareness, annoyance, and impact of tinnitus on life, questionnaire results including those from the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and audiometric profiles were documented. Based on a bivariate analysis between variables and subtypes of subjective tinnitus distress, stepwise logistic regression was performed to identify potential influencing factors for aggravating each subtype. RESULTS Data from a total of 122 patients with bilateral tinnitus were collected. The cohort included 77 males and 45 females with a mean age of 51.16 ± 13.50 years. Tinnitus loudness was associated with an accompanying headache (p < 0.001), the BDI score (p = 0.001), and the duration of tinnitus (p = 0.006). A high THI (p < 0.001) and an accompanying headache (p = 0.016) were both associated with tinnitus annoyance. Hearing thresholds at 250 Hz (p = 0.011) and 500 Hz (p = 0.002) on the left side were associated with an impact of tinnitus on life. The hearing threshold at 4 kHz on the left side alone was associated with tinnitus awareness (p = 0.013). CONCLUSION Psychologic complaints are mainly associated with tinnitus loudness and annoyance. On the other hand, hearing loss is linked with tinnitus awareness and its impact on life. Thus, an individualized, sequential approach that considers different subtypes of tinnitus severity to assess subjective tinnitus distress is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Ho Shin
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Wan Byun
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Jin Kim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Yun Lee
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Internal Consistency and Convergent Validity of the Inventory of Hyperacusis Symptoms. Ear Hear 2021; 42:917-926. [PMID: 33259445 DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000000982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim was to assess the internal consistency and convergent and discriminant validity of a new questionnaire for hyperacusis, the Inventory of Hyperacusis Symptoms (IHS; Greenberg & Carlos 2018), using a clinical population. DESIGN This was a retrospective study. Data were gathered from the records of 100 consecutive patients who sought help for tinnitus and/or hyperacusis from an audiology clinic in the United Kingdom. The average age of the patients was 55 years (SD = 13 years). Audiological measures were the pure-tone average threshold (PTA) and uncomfortable loudness levels (ULL). Questionnaires administered were: IHS, Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Hyperacusis Questionnaire (HQ), Insomnia Severity Index, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9. RESULTS Cronbach's alpha for the 25-item IHS questionnaire was 0.96. Neither the total IHS score nor scores for any of its five subscales were correlated with the PTA of the better or worse ear. This supports the discriminant validity of the IHS, as hyperacusis is thought to be independent of the PTA. There were moderately strong correlations between IHS total scores and scores for the HQ, Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9, with r = 0.58, 0.58, 0.61, 0.54, respectively. Thus, although IHS scores may reflect hyperacusis itself, they may also reflect the coexistence of tinnitus, anxiety, and depression. The total score on the IHS was significantly different between patients with and without hyperacusis (as diagnosed based on ULLs or HQ scores). Using the HQ score as a reference, the area under the receiver operating characteristic for the IHS was 0.80 (95% confidence interval = 0.71 to 0.89) and the cutoff point of the IHS with highest overall accuracy was 56/100. The corresponding sensitivity and specificity were 74% and 82%. CONCLUSIONS The IHS has good internal consistency and reasonably high convergent validity, as indicated by the relationship of IHS scores to HQ scores and ULLs, but IHS scores may also partly reflect the co-occurrence of tinnitus, anxiety, and depression. We propose an IHS cutoff score of 56 instead of 69 for diagnosing hyperacusis.
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Scheffer AR, Ferreira MC, Mondelli MFCG. The applicability of the Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) in the differentiation of tinnitus and hearing complaints. Codas 2021; 33:e20200016. [PMID: 34037160 DOI: 10.1590/2317-1782/20202020016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To verify the applicability of the Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS) to measure the different complaints of tinnitus, hearing loss and sound tolerance. METHODS THS was performed, composed of 4 questions about tinnitus, 4 about hearing loss and one about sound tolerance. Previously, all participants performed a battery of audiological diagnostic tests and were then divided into 4 groups: Bilateral normal audiometry with mean up to 25dB, with and without tinnitus complaint (Groups 1 and 3); diagnosis of mild to moderate neural sensory hearing loss (26dB to 60dB), no previous use of individual hearing aids, complaining of chronic tinnitus (≥6 months) and individuals without tinnitus complaints (Groups 2 and 4); and age ≥18 years old. RESULTS Seventy subjects were included in the present study. Regarding the analysis of the total between the groups by the Kruskal-Wallis test, significant differences were found in the sections about tinnitus and hearing loss, but there was no significance in the section regarding sound tolerance. Regarding the questions in Section A of the THS, only Groups 3 and 4 scored the highest. Regarding the questions related to Section B about hearing loss, the groups without hearing loss (Groups 1 and 3) scored the lowest. In relation to the question of the THS in Section C, Group 3 scored the highest. CONCLUSIONS The THS questionnaire proved to be a useful, quick and simple tool to assist the audiologist in the understanding and differentiation of the audiologic complaints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Rodrigues Scheffer
- Programa de Pós-graduação, Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru - FOB, Universidade de São Paulo - USP - Bauru (SP), Brasil
| | - Maria Carolina Ferreira
- Programa de Pós-graduação, Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru - FOB, Universidade de São Paulo - USP - Bauru (SP), Brasil
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Malesci R, Brigato F, Di Cesare T, Del Vecchio V, Laria C, De Corso E, Fetoni AR. Tinnitus and Neuropsychological Dysfunction in the Elderly: A Systematic Review on Possible Links. J Clin Med 2021; 10:1881. [PMID: 33925344 PMCID: PMC8123622 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10091881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tinnitus is a common and disabling symptom often associated with hearing loss. While clinical practice frequently shows that a certain degree of psychological discomfort often characterizes tinnitus suffers, it has been recently suggested in adults as a determining factor for cognitive decline affecting attention and memory domains. The aim of our systematic review was to provide evidence for a link between tinnitus, psychological distress, and cognitive dysfunction in older patients and to focus on putative mechanisms of this relationship. METHODS We performed a systematic review, finally including 192 articles that were screened. This resulted in 12 manuscripts of which the full texts were included in a qualitative analysis. RESULTS The association between tinnitus and psychological distress, mainly depression, has been demonstrated in older patients, although only few studies addressed the aged population. Limited studies on cognitive dysfunction in aged patients affected by chronic tinnitus are hardly comparable, as they use different methods to validate cognitive impairment. Actual evidence does not allow us with certainty to establish if tinnitus matters as an independent risk factor for cognitive impairment or evolution to dementia. CONCLUSION Tinnitus, which is usually associated with age-related hearing loss, might negatively affect emotional wellbeing and cognitive capacities in older people, but further studies are required to improve the evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Malesci
- Audiology Section, Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry Department, “Federico II” University, via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.M.); (V.D.V.); (C.L.)
| | - Francesca Brigato
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (T.D.C.); (E.D.C.)
| | - Tiziana Di Cesare
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (T.D.C.); (E.D.C.)
| | - Valeria Del Vecchio
- Audiology Section, Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry Department, “Federico II” University, via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.M.); (V.D.V.); (C.L.)
| | - Carla Laria
- Audiology Section, Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry Department, “Federico II” University, via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.M.); (V.D.V.); (C.L.)
| | - Eugenio De Corso
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (T.D.C.); (E.D.C.)
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Fetoni
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (T.D.C.); (E.D.C.)
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
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Noise Damage Accelerates Auditory Aging and Tinnitus: A Canadian Population-Based Study. Otol Neurotol 2021; 41:1316-1326. [PMID: 32810017 DOI: 10.1097/mao.0000000000002848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is the third most challenging disability in older adults. Noise is a known modifiable risk factor of ARHL, which can drive adverse health effects. Few large-scale studies, however, have shown how chronic noise exposure (CNE) impacts the progression of ARHL and tinnitus. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective large-scale study. SETTING Audiology clinical practice. PATIENTS In this study, 928 individuals aged 30-100 years without (n=497) or with the experience of CNE (n=431) were compared in their hearing assessments and tinnitus. In order to only investigate the impact of CNE on ARHL and tinnitus, people with other risk factors of hearing loss were excluded from the study. INTERVENTION Diagnostic. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Noise damage was associated with a greater ARHL per age decades (pure-tone average(PTA)0.5-4kHz alterations 19.6-70.8 dB vs. 8.0-63.2 dB, ≤0.001), an acceleration of developing a significant ARHL at least by two decades (PTA0.5-4kHz 33.4 dB at 50-59yr vs. 28.2 dB at 30-39yr, ≤0.001), and an increased loss of word recognition scores (total average 84.7% vs. 80.0%, ≤0.001). Significant noise-associated growth in the prevalence of tinnitus also was shown, including more than a triple prevalence for constant tinnitus (28.10% vs. 8.85%, ≤0.001) and near to a double prevalence for intermittent tinnitus (19.10% vs. 11.10%, ≤0.001). Noise also resulted in the elevation of the static compliance of the tympanic membrane throughout age (total average 0.61 vs. 0.85 mmho, ≤0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our findings emphasize the significant contribution of CNE in auditory aging and the precipitation of both ARHL and tinnitus.
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Mancini PC, Tyler RS, Jun HJ, Wang TC, Ji H, Stocking C, Secor C, Rojas-Roncancio E, Witt S. Reliability of the Minimum Masking Level as Outcome Variable in Tinnitus Clinical Research. Am J Audiol 2020; 29:429-435. [PMID: 32717149 DOI: 10.1044/2020_aja-20-00047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The minimum masking level (MML) is the minimum intensity of a stimulus required to just totally mask the tinnitus. Treatments aimed at reducing the tinnitus itself should attempt to measure the magnitude of the tinnitus. The objective of this study was to evaluate the reliability of the MML. Method Sample consisted of 59 tinnitus patients who reported stable tinnitus. We obtained MML measures on two visits, separated by about 2-3 weeks. We used two noise types: speech-shaped noise and high-frequency emphasis noise. We also investigated the relationship between the MML and tinnitus loudness estimates and the Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire (THQ). Results There were differences across the different noise types. The within-session standard deviation averaged across subjects varied between 1.3 and 1.8 dB. Across the two sessions, the Pearson correlation coefficients, range was r = .84. There was a weak relationship between the dB SL MML and loudness, and between the MML and the THQ. A moderate correlation (r = .44) was found between the THQ and loudness estimates. Conclusions We conclude that the dB SL MML can be a reliable estimate of tinnitus magnitude, with expected standard deviations in trained subjects of about 1.5 dB. It appears that the dB SL MML and loudness estimates are not closely related.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia C. Mancini
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Iowa, Iowa City
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Richard S. Tyler
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Iowa, Iowa City
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, The University of Iowa, Iowa City
| | - Hyung Jin Jun
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Iowa, Iowa City
| | - Tang-Chuan Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Iowa, Iowa City
| | - Helena Ji
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Iowa, Iowa City
| | | | - Carrie Secor
- University at Buffalo Speech-Language and Hearing Clinic,NY
| | | | - Shelley Witt
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Iowa, Iowa City
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Margol-Gromada M, Sereda M, Baguley DM. Readability assessment of self-report hyperacusis questionnaires. Int J Audiol 2020; 59:506-512. [DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2020.1723033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Margol-Gromada
- Hearing Sciences, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Magdalena Sereda
- Hearing Sciences, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham, UK
| | - David M. Baguley
- Hearing Sciences, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham, UK
- Nottingham Audiology Services, Nottingham University NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
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Jafari Z, Kolb BE, Mohajerani MH. Age-related hearing loss and tinnitus, dementia risk, and auditory amplification outcomes. Ageing Res Rev 2019; 56:100963. [PMID: 31557539 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2019.100963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) or presbycusis, as the third leading cause of chronic disability in older adults, has been shown to be associated with predisposing cognitive impairment and dementia. Tinnitus is also a chronic auditory disorder demonstrating a growth rate with increasing age. Recent evidence stands for the link between bothersome tinnitus and impairments in various aspects of cognitive function. Both ARHL and age-related tinnitus affect mental health and contribute to developing anxiety, stress, and depression. The present review is a comprehensive multidisciplinary study on diverse interactions among ARHL, tinnitus, and cognitive decline in older adults. This review incorporates the latest evidence in prevalence and risk factors of ARHL and tinnitus, the neural substrates of tinnitus-related cognitive impairments, hypothesized mechanisms concerning the association between ARHL and increased risk of dementia, hearing amplification outcomes in cases with ARHL and cognitive decline, and preliminary findings on the link between ARHL and cognitive impairment in animal studies. Given extensive evidence that demonstrates advantages of using auditory amplification in the alleviation of hearing handicap, depression, and tinnitus, and the improvement of cognition, social communication, and quality of life, regular hearing screening programs for identification and management of midlife hearing loss and tinnitus is strongly recommended.
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Aazh H, Moore BCJ. Tinnitus loudness and the severity of insomnia: a mediation analysis. Int J Audiol 2019; 58:208-212. [DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2018.1537524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hashir Aazh
- Audiology Department, Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, UK
| | - Brian C. J. Moore
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Aazh H, Langguth B, Danesh AA. Parental separation and parental mental health in childhood and tinnitus and hyperacusis disability in adulthood: a retrospective exploratory analysis. Int J Audiol 2018; 57:941-946. [PMID: 30272507 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2018.1514470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the relationships between parental separation and parental mental health in childhood with tinnitus and hyperacusis disability in adulthood. DESIGN Retrospective cross-sectional. STUDY SAMPLE The data for consecutive patients who attended a tinnitus and hyperacusis clinic in the UK over a six months period were included (n = 184). RESULTS 14.7% of patients reported that while they were growing up, their parents were separated or divorced. There were no significant differences in Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and Hyperacusis Questionnaire (HQ) between patients with and without history of parental separation. About 40.2% reported history of mental health disorders in their parents. The scores on THI and HQ were worse in the group that reported mental health disorders in their parents (p < .01). Parental mental health illness did not significantly relate to THI, however, it was significantly related to the risk of hyperacusis (odds ratio [OR], after adjusting for age and gender: 2.05, p = .026). The adjusted OR for a subgroup of patients with a diagnosis of hyperacusis was 6.7 (p = .011), indicating a stronger relationship for this subgroup. CONCLUSIONS Among patients seeking help for their tinnitus and hyperacusis, poor parental mental health was associated with increased hyperacusis disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hashir Aazh
- a Audiology Department , Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust , Guildford , UK
| | - Berthold Langguth
- b Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy , The University of Regensburg , Regensburg , Germany
| | - Ali A Danesh
- c Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders , Florida Atlantic University , Boca Raton , FL , USA
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Aazh H, Moore BCJ. Proportion and characteristics of patients who were offered, enrolled in and completed audiologist-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy for tinnitus and hyperacusis rehabilitation in a specialist UK clinic. Int J Audiol 2018; 57:415-425. [DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2018.1431405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hashir Aazh
- Audiology Department, Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, UK and
| | - Brian C. J. Moore
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Ralli M, Salvi RJ, Greco A, Turchetta R, De Virgilio A, Altissimi G, Attanasio G, Cianfrone G, de Vincentiis M. Characteristics of somatic tinnitus patients with and without hyperacusis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0188255. [PMID: 29161302 PMCID: PMC5697853 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Determine if somatic tinnitus patients with hyperacusis have different characteristics from those without hyperacusis. Patients and methods 172 somatic tinnitus patients with (n = 82) and without (n = 90) hyperacusis referred to the Tinnitus Unit of Sapienza University of Rome between June 2012 and June 2016 were compared for demographic characteristics, tinnitus features, self-administered questionnaire scores, nature of somatic modulation and history. Results Compared to those without hyperacusis, patients with somatic tinnitus and hyperacusis: (a) were older (43.38 vs 39.12 years, p = 0.05), (b) were more likely to have bilateral tinnitus (67.08% vs 55.56%, p = 0.04), (c) had a higher prevalence of somatic modulation of tinnitus (53.65% vs 36.66%, p = 0.02) and (d) scored significantly worse on tinnitus annoyance (39.34 vs 22.81, p<0.001) and subjective hearing level (8.04 vs 1.83, p<0.001). Conclusion Our study shows significantly higher tinnitus modulation and worse self-rating of tinnitus and hearing ability in somatic tinnitus patients with hyperacusis versus somatic tinnitus patients without hyperacusis. These differences could prove useful in developing a better understanding of the pathophysiology and establishing a course of treatment for these two groups of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Ralli
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Richard J. Salvi
- Center for Hearing and Deafness, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
- Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosaria Turchetta
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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