Pattern of Tinnitus and Its Risk Factors Among Individuals with Tinnitus in South India

To study the demographic profile, pattern of tinnitus, and its risk factors. This was a cross-sectional study among individuals with tinnitus seeking out-patient care. Data were collected by interviewing each patient. The median age at onset of tinnitus among the 203 individuals was 47 years (IQR 31, 62). Majority of individuals were males [108(53.2%)]. Forty two(20.7%) had history of hearing loss, 15(7.4%) had history of prolonged exposure to loud noise, 13(6.4%) had chronic history of taking NSAIDs, 11(5.4%) had history of impacted ear wax, and 5(2.5%) had history of sudden exposure to loud noise. The laterality of tinnitus was bilateral among majority of the individuals [84(41.4%)]. Bilateral tinnitus was associated with age at onset of tinnitus ≤ 30 years (p = 0.0369), consumption of alcohol (p = 0.039), and chronic usage of NSAIDs (p = 0.044). Right sided tinnitus was significantly more among those with age at onset of tinnitus > 40 years (p = 0.0418). Individuals with diabetes mellitus (p = 0.0163) and hypertension (p = 0.0001) were associated with delayed onset of tinnitus (> 60 years). Majority of the individuals were males and majority had bilateral tinnitus. Several risk factors of delayed onset of tinnitus and bilateral tinnitus were identified in this study.