Association of tinnitus and hearing loss in otological disorders: a decade-long epidemiological study in a South Indian population()

INTRODUCTION: Tinnitus is a common disorder that occurs frequently across all strata of population and has an important health concern. Tinnitus is often associated with different forms of hearing loss of varying severity. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to identify the association of tinnitus with hearing loss in various otological disorders of a South Indian population. METHODS: A total of 3255 subjects referred to the MAA ENT Hospital, Hyderabad, from 2004 to 2014, affected with various otological diseases have been included in the present cross-sectional study. Diagnosis of the diseases was confirmed by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist using detailed medical and clinical examination. Statistical analysis was performed using the χ(2) test and binary logistic regression. RESULTS: Tinnitus was observed in 29.3% (956) of the total study subjects that showed an increased prevalence in greater than 40 years of age. There was a significant increase in risk of tinnitus with middle (OR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.02–3.16) and inner (OR = 3.00, 95% CI = 1.65–5.45) inner ear diseases. It was noted that 96.9% (n = 927) of the tinnitus subjects was associated with hearing loss. Otitis media (60.9%), presbycusis (16.6%) and otosclerosis (14.3%) are the very common otological disorders leading to tinnitus. Tinnitus was significantly associated with higher degree of hearing loss in chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) subjects. CONCLUSION: The present study could identify the most prevalent otological risk factors leading to development of tinnitus with hearing loss in a South Indian population.