Audiological, Psychological and Cognitive Characteristics of Tinnitus Sufferers

Abstract

Objective: Tinnitus is widespread amongst clients attending hearing clinics and has been associated with a range of physical and emotional disorders. This study was undertaken with the assumption that tinnitus has a negative impact on psychological well-being as well as on mental concentration of the person. Materials and Methods: Three groups were selected, comprising 10 participants each. Two groups consisted of subjects with tinnitus complaints. The first group had no hearing loss (Tinnitus group (TIG)), the second group had mild hearing loss (PTA >25, <40 dBHL) (Tinnitus group with hearing impairment (TWHIG)), and the third group had no tinnitus or hearing loss (Normal control group (NCG)). After an audiological assessment, the following questionnaires were administered: 1) nature of tinnitus questionnaire, 2) tinnitus reaction questionnaire, 3) the symptom checklist (SCL-90-R), and 4) cognitive failure questionnaire (CFQ). Out of these, four were administered to all tinnitus groups while only the last two were administered on NCG. The results of these tests were compared using a t- test. Results: Participants with tinnitus reported significantly more psychological distress symptoms and everyday cognitive failures than the control group. Conclusion:Our assumption about the potential negative impact of tinnitus on psychological well-being as well as on mental concentration is supported by our study results. Implication: The present study indicates that there is a greater need for providing counseling as well as psychological intervention to reduce stress and assistance in coping with the cognitive failures for persons with tinnitus.