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The impact of tinnitus characteristics and associated variables on tinnitus-related handicap

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 November 2015

S Degeest ,
P Corthals ,
I Dhooge  and
H Keppler
S Degeest*
Affiliation:
Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium
P Corthals
Affiliation:
Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium Faculty of Education, Health and Social Work, University College Ghent, Belgium
I Dhooge
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ghent University, Belgium
H Keppler
Affiliation:
Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium
*
Address for correspondence: Dr S Degeest, Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, De Pintelaan 185, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium E-mail: sofie.degeest@ugent.be
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Abstract

Objective:

This study aimed to determine the characteristics of tinnitus and tinnitus-related variables and explore their possible relationship with tinnitus-related handicap.

Methods:

Eighty-one patients with chronic tinnitus were included. The study protocol measured hearing status, tinnitus pitch, loudness, maskability and loudness discomfort levels. All patients filled in the Tinnitus Sample Case History Questionnaire, the Hyperacusis Questionnaire and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory. The relationship of each variable with the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory score was evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results:

Five univariables were associated with the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory score: loudness discomfort level, subjective tinnitus loudness, tinnitus awareness, noise intolerance and Hyperacusis Questionnaire score. Multiple regression analysis showed that the Hyperacusis Questionnaire score and tinnitus awareness were independently associated with the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory score.

Conclusion:

Hyperacusis and tinnitus awareness were independently associated with the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory score. Questionnaires on tinnitus and hyperacusis are especially suited to providing additional insight into tinnitus-related handicap and are therefore useful for evaluating tinnitus patients.

Keywords

TinnitusHyperacusisQuality of Life
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 130 , Issue 1 , January 2016 , pp. 25 - 31
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2015 

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Footnotes

Some results of this study were presented at the 11th International Tinnitus Seminar, 21–24 May 2014, Berlin, Germany

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