Analysis of Etiological Factors of Tinnitus in Patients Attending Kathmandu University Hospital

Abstract

Background: Because of the subjective nature of tinnitus, variation of causes, and diversity of patients, this subject is a complex topic to study and understand. The main aim of our study was to find the frequency of tinnitus and also analyze its etiological factors. Since this kind of study has not been performed previously in Nepal, we conducted this study to know the different etiological factors related to tinnitus. Materials and Methods: One hundred and fifty-two patients who came to outpatient at Department of Otorhinolaryngology from 1 August 2011 to 1 August 2012 with history of tinnitus were included after taking informed consent, except six patients who had a co-existing psychiatric problem. Detailed history, clinical examination, and all necessary investigations were done to reach diagnosis. Data were collected and analyzed using SPSS 16.0 software. Results: There were a total 13,598 outpatients who came to Department of Otorhinolaryngology from 1 August 2011 to 1 August 2012. Among them 158 had a history of tinnitus, but six patients were excluded from the study because of a co-existing psychiatric problem. So frequency was found to be 1.11%. Regarding age distribution, 60.6% of the patients were <40 years. Mean age was 41.22 (±17.33) years. Regarding sex distribution, females were affected more than males. Housewives and businessman accounted for 58.5%. In distribution of ethnic group, Newar ethnicity accounted for 49.3% whereas Tamang ethnicity accounted for only 3.3%. Likewise, the right ear was affected more than the left ear. In distribution of etiological factors, mainly conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss were responsible, whereas an unknown cause was also responsible in 22.4% of the cases. Conclusion: Tinnitus is a distressing symptom, which causes a decrease in the quality of life. So it is important to find the sociodemographic factors and also the main etiological factors related to tinnitus as these findings will help to find out remedial measures and improvement in quality of life.