Tinnitus prevalence in the adult population – results from the population-based Gutenberg Health Study

Background Tinnitus is a frequently reported symptom in otolaryngologic practice. Nevertheless, a uniform definition is lacking in the international literature, so that reported prevalence data are widely scattered. The aim of this study was to present the prevalence of tinnitus in a large German cohort.

Material and Methods  The Gutenberg Health Study is a prospective population study and as such representative for the Mainz-Bingen region. Since 2017, study participants have been asked about their auditory quality of life. In addition to being asked about tinnitus ("Do you suffer from ringing in the ears (tinnitus)?"), participants are asked to rate it on a scale from 1 = little distressing to 5 = extremely distressing ("How much do you feel distressed by it?").

Results A total of 4,914 participants could be asked about their auditory quality of life. Of these, 25.8% reported suffering from tinnitus (n = 1,268, p-value < 0.0001). Men were more frequently affected than women (men: 29.9 %, women: 21.4 %, p-value < 0.0001). The majority of those affected (36 % of the participants) rated their tinnitus as little distressing. In contrast, 1.9% were extremely distressed. Tinnitus prevalence increased with increasing age.

Conclusion One in four study participants suffered from tinnitus. Even though a large part of the participants rated it as not very stressful, this represents a considerable burden of disease. Especially with increasing age the prevalence increases, so that patients of this age group need special attention.

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Artikel online veröffentlicht:
24. Mai 2022