Tinnitus in Noise-induced Hearing Loss

Kim, Jeong Ho

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the prevalence of tinnitus and relationship between tinnitus and hearing disturbance of workers with noise-induced hearing loss.
METHODS
One hundred thirty three workers with noise-induced hearing loss responded to a self-admiministered questionaire concerning tinnitus, present symptoms and past medical history. Also pure tone audiometry, tympanometry and otoscopic examination was done.
RESULTS
The prevalence of tinnitus was 54.14%. There were no significant difference in the prevalence of tinnitus according to age, symptoms (fatigue, sleep disturbance and dizziness), duration of noise exposure, wearing of ear protector, and duration of self-reported hearing difficulty. However, the location of more serious tinnitus was significantly associated with subjective hearing disturbance.
CONCLUSION
In hearing conservation program of workers with noise-induced hearing loss, tinnitus management has to be considered as an essential part of the program.