Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2021 Nov;64(11):792-799. 10.3342/kjorl-hns.2020.00913.

Sleep Disorder in Tinnitus Patients

• Jeon JM
• Choi SY
• Lee JG
• Moon JW
• Chae SW
• Song JJ

• KMID: 2522829
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3342/kjorl-hns.2020.00913

Abstract

Background and Objectives
One of the most common complaint of tinnitus patients has been sleep disorder. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between sleep disorder and tinnitus.
Subjects and Method
Patients with tinnitus from July 2018 till August 2019 were enrolled. Subjects who had any acute/chronic disease in the inner and middle ear or external auditory canal, sleep apnea and had more than 3 caffeinated beverages a day was excluded. Study participants completed Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the tinnitus symptom questionnaire, tinnitus handicap inventory (THI), Pittsburg Sleep Quality Inventory (PSQI), pure tone audiometry, a full otologic examination and an interview on past medical history.
Results
THI was correlated with PSQI global score and BDI. The PSQI subscale most relevant to THI was PSQI 1 (subjective sleep quality). Hearing impairment was correlated with the THI functional subscale. BDI was individually related to PSQI.
Conclusion
Tinnitus is found to be highly related to sleep disorder, suggesting a common pathway of aggravation and treatment target. Tinnitus is also more affected by sleep disorder than by depression. A further examination and treatment of comorbid sleep disorder in tinnitus patients is recommended.

Keyword

Depression; Sleep disorder; Tinnitus