Can the Tinnitus Magnitude Index Reflect the Depression and Anxiety of Tinnitus Sufferers?

Abstract

Purpose: This study evaluates the relationship between tinnitus magnitude and depression and statetrait anxiety.Methods: A total of 65 subjects suffering from tinnitus participated. None reported any hearing problems. The participants filled in the Tinnitus Magnitude Index (TMI), the Korean version of the Beck depression inventory, and the Korean version of state-trait anxiety questionnaires with 61 out of 65 subjects completing all the questionnaires.Results: No significant relationships between tinnitus magnitude and depression or state-trait anxiety were found. However, items for the TMI were found to be significantly related (p < 0.05), and depression and state-strait anxiety also had a significant relationship (p < 0.05).Conclusion: We concluded that the TMI was not sensitive when used for assessing depression and anxiety in individuals who are suffering from tinnitus, which implying that the TMI questionnaire is useful for a quick assessment tool of the severity of tinnitus in individuals.