Alberto Eibenstein, Matteo De Luca, Alessandra Barbara Fioretti, Theodoros Varakliotis*, Sara Cisternino, Luisa Crosta and Maria Lauriello
Abstract:
Aim: The aim of this study was to deeply investigate the relationship between tinnitus, hyperacusis, sleep disorders and perceived stress levels in a study group of patients with tinnitus exposed to a traumatic event (earth quake) and a control group of patients with tinnitus not exposed to a traumatic event.
Methods: We studied 83 patients with tinnitus. The study group was composed by 47 patients exposed to earthquake. The control group was composed by 36 patients not exposed to the earthquake. Each patient was studied with clinical history, ENT examination and audiological tests. The following questionnaires were carried out: Tinnitus Sample Case History (TSCH), Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Khalfa's questionnaire and Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI 53).
Results: The psychological screening used in the study need to have confirmation of further more specific investigations to evaluate the possible correlation between PTSD and tinnitus. It is possible that the exposure to a traumatic event, such as the earthquake, may have had an influence in the genesis of tinnitus. Analysis of the study group has revealed higher scores in the PSQI test and in the BSI test components of anxiety, somatization and depression.
Conclusion: The connection between psychopathology, tinnitus and treatment is complex and, perhaps not sufficiently investigated with adequate methodologies. Psychiatric comorbidity in subjects affected by tinnitus is frequent, even if this study showed that the relationship between psychopathology and tinnitus is not linear.
Aim: The aim of this study was to deeply investigate the relationship between tinnitus, hyperacusis, sleep disorders and perceived stress levels in a study group of patients with tinnitus exposed to a traumatic event (earth quake) and a control group of patients with tinnitus not exposed to a traumatic event.
Methods: We studied 83 patients with tinnitus. The study group was composed by 47 patients exposed to earthquake. The control group was composed by 36 patients not exposed to the earthquake. Each patient was studied with clinical history, ENT examination and audiological tests. The following questionnaires were carried out: Tinnitus Sample Case History (TSCH), Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Khalfa's questionnaire and Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI 53).
Results: The psychological screening used in the study need to have confirmation of further more specific investigations to evaluate the possible correlation between PTSD and tinnitus. It is possible that the exposure to a traumatic event, such as the earthquake, may have had an influence in the genesis of tinnitus. Analysis of the study group has revealed higher scores in the PSQI test and in the BSI test components of anxiety, somatization and depression.
Conclusion: The connection between psychopathology, tinnitus and treatment is complex and, perhaps not sufficiently investigated with adequate methodologies. Psychiatric comorbidity in subjects affected by tinnitus is frequent, even if this study showed that the relationship between psychopathology and tinnitus is not linear.
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