The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Tinnitus in Korean Adolescents

Kim, Chang Yong; Jeong, Se Won; Seo, Ji Young; Lee, Yong Ju; Park, Sang Chul; Choi, Hyun Seung

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the absence of any outside acoustic stimulus with high prevalence. Multiple risk factors for tinnitus have been identified. So far, most of studies have concentrated on prevalence and associated chronic disease of tinnitus in adults. In the present study, we focused on tinnitus in adolescents which has not been adequately evaluated. The main goal of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of tinnitus in adolescents.
SUBJECTS AND METHOD
This study was a retrospectively designed analysis of data from the 5th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted in 2011-2012. We used tinnitus related interview data, the results of physical and audiological evaluation by ENT specialists, the results of daily intake of vitamin using a 24-hour dietary recall method, and blood samples in 1370 subjects.
RESULTS
The prevalence of tinnitus was 22.2% in the age range of 12 and 19 years old. Logistic regression is a statistical method used to assess the association between tinnitus and independent variables. The following factors were independently and positively associated with tinnitus; sex (adjusted OR=1.531, CI=1.097-2.137), excessive earphone use (adjusted OR=1.422, CI=1.026-1.970), Non-occupational noise (adjusted OR=4.096, CI=1.702-9.859), explosive noise (adjusted OR=4.100, CI=1.703-9.872), niacin intake (adjusted OR=0.966, CI=0.940-0.993), vitamin (vit.). D serum concentration (adjusted OR=0.959, CI=0.925-0.994).
CONCLUSION
This study showed an association between tinnitus prevalence in adolescents and gender, noise exposure, and vit. D supplement. Tinnitic patients are recommended to reduce excessive noise and use hearing protection devices such as earplugs or earmuffs; they are also recommended to obtain a supply vit. D from adequate sun exposure and outside activities.