Anxiety, depression and health-related quality of life in Chinese tinnitus sufferers with and without hearing loss

Research output: Contribution to conferencePapers

Abstract

Introduction: Anxiety and depression are often comorbid in patients with chronic tinnitus. Tinnitus is sometimes associated with poorer health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study aims to evaluate co-morbid anxiety, depression and HRQoL associated with tinnitus only and tinnitus with hearing loss.
Material &Method: This retrospective study included 290 outpatients who attended four local hospitals in Hong Kong with a primary complaint of tinnitus. They were divided into two groups: (1) tinnitus only, and (2) tinnitus with hearing loss. All patients received comprehensive otological examination and audiological assessment. Anxiety and depression level were evaluated by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. HRQoL was measured with the SF36 health questionnaire. Tinnitus severity and related distress were assessed with the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and visual analogy scales. Results obtained were compared between the tinnitus only and tinnitus with hearing loss group.
Results: Significantly higher level of anxiety and depression, and poorer HRQoL were observed in the tinnitus with hearing loss group. This group of patients also showed significantly more severe tinnitus and more affected by the negative impact caused by tinnitus as compared to the patients with tinnitus only. Anxiety, depression and HRQoL were significantly correlated with the tinnitus severity and the degree of hearing loss.
Conclusion: As hearing loss appeared to be a contributing factor to higher level of anxiety and depression, poorer HRQoL and tinnitus handicapping effect, further research investigating the therapeutic effect of tinnitus with hearing compensation for those patients with hearing loss is warranted. Copyright © 2019 TRI Conference.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - May 2019
EventThe 12th conference of Tinnitus Research Initiatives in conjunction with 3rd Cross-Strait Tinnitus Seminar - Taipei, Taiwan, Province of China
Duration: 17 May 201919 May 2019
https://2019.tri-conf.org/index.php

Conference

ConferenceThe 12th conference of Tinnitus Research Initiatives in conjunction with 3rd Cross-Strait Tinnitus Seminar
Abbreviated title2019 TRI
Country/TerritoryTaiwan, Province of China
CityTaipei
Period17/05/1919/05/19
Internet address

Citation

Kam, A. (2019, May). Anxiety, depression and health-related quality of life in Chinese tinnitus sufferers with and without hearing loss. Paper presented at the 12th conference of Tinnitus Research Initiatives in conjunction with 3rd Cross-Strait Tinnitus Seminar (2019 TRI), Taipei, Taiwan.

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