Abstract
In this study, we aimed to examine the association between tinnitus and depressive symptoms in middle-aged and elderly South Korean population. The participants were selected from among those who participated in the 2014, 2016, and 2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. The incidence and severity of tinnitus was assessed using a self-reported questionnaire, while depressive symptoms were evaluated using self-reported Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Multiple logistic regression was performed to examine the association between tinnitus and depressive symptoms. Overall, 10 979 (4821 men and 6158 women) participants were enrolled in the study. Regardless of sex, individuals who reported having tinnitus were more likely to have depressive symptoms than those without tinnitus (men: odds ratio 1.53, 95% confidence interval 1.01–2.32; women: odds ratio 1.78, 95% confidence interval 1.35–2.35). In severe cases of tinnitus, women were more likely to have depressive symptoms (odds ratio 7.18, 95% confidence interval 3.71–13.87) compared to men. This study revealed a significant association between tinnitus and depressive symptoms among the middle-aged and elderly South Korean population.
Highlights
Tinnitus is a condition of noise perception in which symptoms include hearing sounds such as buzzing, roaring, and hissing, among others
We aimed to examine the association between tinnitus and depressive symptoms in middle-aged and elderly South Korean population
This study revealed a significant association between tinnitus and depressive symptoms among the middle-aged and elderly South Korean population
Summary
Tinnitus is a condition of noise perception in which symptoms include hearing sounds such as buzzing, roaring, and hissing, among others. It is a common problem affecting an average of 15–20% of the population in the United States [1]. More than 95% of people experience tinnitus at least once in their lives. In South Korea, the number of people who develop tinnitus has increased over time, from 19.7% in 2010 to 21.4% in 2012 [3]. The Korean National Health Insurance reported that the number of patients with tinnitus increased by 3% annually, and the medical care associated with this condition increased annually by 5.6%, which amounted to a medical burden of 22.7 billion KRW in 2013 [4]
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