Prevalence of Tinnitus and the Risk Factors in Korea

Abstract

Objectives: Evaluate the prevalence of tinnitus & its risk factors in Korea. Methods: We obtained data from the 2008 to the 2010 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES), which were cross-sectional surveys of the civilian, non-institutionalized population of South Korea (n =19,321). A field survey team that included an otolaryngologist, nurses, and interviewers moved with a mobile examination unit and performed interviews and physical examinations. Results: In this nationwide cross sectional study, the prevalence of subjective tinnitus was 19.6%. Women were more prevalent than men and the prevalence rate increased according to age. ( P < 0.001) Among the subjective tinnitus group, about 28.7% participants experience annoying tinnitus that induces uncomfortable daily life. This annoying tinnitus increases with age, but no sexual difference. ( P < 0.001) Otolaryngologic problems, such as hearing loss, tympanic membrane perforation and presence of rhinitis, past/current history of smoking, and stress were associated with subjective tinnitus in participants over 19 years old ( P < 0.05). As for annoying tinnitus, hearing difficulty, depressive mood and stress were associated (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Overall prevalence of subjective tinnitus is 19.6% and annoying tinnitus is 6.4% in general populations. Considering the high prevalence of tinnitus and its close association with stress and depressive mood as well as known hearing loss, the results call for additional studies to better prevent and manage psychological problem and otolaryngologic diseases.