[Tinnitus: associated symptoms and possible triggering factors].

Abstract

Introduction and objective:The background of tinnitus is complex, involving various symptoms and triggering factors observed in clinical practice. This investigation aims to analyze how these associated symptoms and triggering factors impact tinnitus severity. Method: 165 patients with primary subjective tinnitus participated. Each participant underwent comprehensive tinnitus management, which included assessing associated symptoms and identifying triggering factors. Additionally, all patients completed the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory. Results:Analyzing demographic features, there is a noted predominance of males up to 40 years of age, after which females are more prevalent. Bilateral symptoms (54.5%) and left-sided symptoms (27.8%) were the most common. A significant portion of the population (72.1%) reported experiencing constant tinnitus. Vertigo (60%) and hearing loss (45.5%) were the most frequently reported associated symptoms. Headaches (41%) and a sensation of ear fullness (35%) occurred with slightly lower frequency. Upper airway infection symptoms were observed in 21% of cases, while symptoms like tingling sensation and facial palsy were reported at low rates of 8.4% and 2.4%. A silent environment was identified as a triggering factor for tinnitus in nearly all cases (90.3%), followed by stress (66.7%). Difficulty in falling asleep was relatively uncommon, occurring in only 27.3% of the population. Issues related to the cervical spine joints and the temporomandibular joint were reported in 24% and 17% of cases, respectively. The effects of weather fronts (6%) and noise triggering (3%) were less frequently noted. Multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed that higher age (over 50 years) (p = 0.019*; OR: 0.259, 95% CI = 0.084–0.800) and issues related to the cervical spine (p = 0.013*; OR: 4.860, 95% CI = 1.405–16.812) significantly predicted more severe tinnitus. Conclusion:The most common associated symptoms and triggering factors include vertigo, hearing loss, and headache, along with a silent environment and stress. Cervical spine issues and higher age significantly predict more severe tinnitus. Orv Hetil. 2025; 166(31): 1203–1208.