Abstract
IntroductionTinnitus is a subjective auditory symptom usually associated with a sound, even in the absence of external sound sources. Its diagnosis is complex, and some of the forms of measurement alone or in combination, include self-assessment questionnaires, such as the tinnitus handicap inventory, the visual analog scale and/or pitch and loudness matching. ObjectiveTo analyze the correlation among three tinnitus measurement methods: tinnitus handicap inventory, visual analog scale and pitch and loudness matching. MethodsThe study consisted of 148 patients complaining of chronic tinnitus. An otorhinolaryngological evaluation, anamnesis directed to tinnitus, audiometry (pure tone and speech), imitanciometry, tinnitus handicap inventory, visual analog scale, and pitch and loudness matching were performed. The study was registered in the Ethics Committee of the Institution with no. 0129/12. ResultsRegarding the frequency of tinnitus handicap inventory responses, a higher occurrence of the mild degree was observed. An average of 6 points was observed on the visual analog scale. The mean loudness matching in the right ear was 20dBNS, and in the left ear was 17dBNS. As for the type of stimulus, the most found was continuous pure tone. The frequency of the pitch sensation was 6000Hz in the largest number of cases. Regarding the measures of tinnitus handicap inventory and the visual analogical scale, a significant correlation was observed, and as one value increases the other also increases. Pitch and loudness matching and the visual analogical scale results are also significant. ConclusionThere was a significant correlation between the values measured by the tinnitus handicap inventory, visual analogical scale (annoyance) and loudness matching in the evaluation of tinnitus. The selection of any one of the three evaluative methods for tinnitus investigation provides different dimensions of the tinnitus and complements the others.
Highlights
Tinnitus is a subjective auditory symptom usually associated with a sound, even in the absence of external sound sources
With an estimated incidence of 10%---15% in the world population, most people experience a minimal impact on quality of life, but it is clinically significant for approximately 20% of those with chronic tinnitus.[3]
The selected assessment method is expected to have the Loudness matching, visual analog scale and tinnitus handicap inventory following characteristics: (1) brief, to be possible to use in clinical practice; (2) easy to apply and interpret; (3) covers various aspects of tinnitus; (4) is validated and reliable.[7]
Summary
Tinnitus is a subjective auditory symptom usually associated with a sound, even in the absence of external sound sources. Tinnitus is an auditory sensation in the absence of an external sound source.[1,2] With an estimated incidence of 10%---15% in the world population, most people experience a minimal impact on quality of life, but it is clinically significant for approximately 20% of those with chronic tinnitus.[3] In a recent study with the population of the city of São Paulo, a prevalence of 22% was found, and 64% of affected individuals felt uncomfortable with the sound.[4] More recent theories on the pathophysiology of tinnitus point to the existence of increased or nonsynchronized neuronal discharges in the central auditory pathways, initiated secondary to an auditory system dysfunction.[5,6]. The selected assessment method is expected to have the Loudness matching, visual analog scale and tinnitus handicap inventory following characteristics: (1) brief, to be possible to use in clinical practice; (2) easy to apply and interpret; (3) covers various aspects of tinnitus; (4) is validated and reliable.[7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
