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Case Study | Audiology | Volume 14 Issue 1, January 2025 | Pages: 1321 - 1325 | India
Audiological, Psychological, and Cognitive Characteristics of Tinnitus Sufferers
Abstract: Background: Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the absence of an external acoustic stimulus and is frequently associated with emotional distress, psychological disturbances, and impaired cognitive functioning. Although tinnitus is a common audiological complaint, its influence on psychological well-being and cognitive performance remains an important area of clinical investigation. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the audiological, psychological, and cognitive characteristics of individuals with tinnitus and compare these findings with those of individuals with tinnitus accompanied by mild hearing loss and normal-hearing controls. Methods: A comparative observational study was conducted involving 30 participants divided into three groups: Tinnitus Group (TIG; n = 10) with normal hearing, Tinnitus with Hearing Impairment Group (TWHIG; n = 10) with mild hearing loss, and Normal Control Group (NCG; n = 10). All participants underwent pure-tone audiometry and completed standardized questionnaires, including the Nature of Tinnitus Questionnaire, Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire (TRQ), Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), and Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ). Data were analyzed to compare tinnitus characteristics, psychological distress, and cognitive functioning among the groups. Results: Tinnitus was predominantly bilateral, high-pitched, and of moderate loudness. Most participants reported greater tinnitus severity during quiet environments and early morning hours. Both tinnitus groups demonstrated significantly higher psychological distress and cognitive failure scores than the control group. Participants with tinnitus exhibited elevated SCL-90-R and CFQ scores, indicating greater emotional distress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and reduced cognitive efficiency. Conclusion: Tinnitus has a significant adverse effect on psychological health and cognitive functioning irrespective of the presence of mild hearing loss. Comprehensive assessment of tinnitus should therefore include psychological and cognitive evaluation to facilitate holistic patient management and improve treatment outcomes.
Keywords: Tinnitus, Psychological Distress, Cognitive Function, Hearing Loss, Audiological Assessment
How to Cite?: Dr. Gaurav Tomar, Mansha Parmar, "Audiological, Psychological, and Cognitive Characteristics of Tinnitus Sufferers", Volume 14 Issue 1, January 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1321-1325, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25109151111, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25109151111