Tinnitus: Does it Lead to Impairments in Metacognitive Functions and the Theory of Mind Skills?

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate theory of mind skills and metacognitive functions in patients with tinnitus compared to healthy controls.

Methods: This prospective study included patients diagnosed with tinnitus at our otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery clinic and healthy controls matching their demographic characteristics. Patients diagnosed with tinnitus at our otolaryngology and head and neck surgery clinic, along with healthy controls matched for demographic characteristics, were included in the study. All participants completed the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET), the metacognition questionnaire (MCQ-30), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI). The relationship between the scales applied to the patient group regarding tinnitus was evaluated using Spearman's and Pearson's correlation tests.

Results: A total of 90 individuals diagnosed with tinnitus and 70 healthy controls participated in the study. There was no statistically significant difference in BDI scores between the groups (p>0.05). However, in the MCQ-30, the cognitive awareness subscale and the total score were significantly higher in the tinnitus group (p=0.003 and p=0.041, respectively). Additionally, RMET performance was lower in tinnitus patients compared to healthy controls (p=0.002). Certain subscales of the MCQ-30 showed a moderate positive correlation with THI.

Conclusion: Based on these findings, we suggest that evaluating tinnitus patients from a psychiatric perspective, providing psychosocial support, and assisting them in improving their communication skills could be beneficial.