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Numerator

Number of adults (18+ years) with onset of tinnitus within the past five years, for whom it is a moderate, big, or very big problem, who have seen or been referred to a hearing specialist

Denominator

Number of adults (18+ years) with onset of tinnitus within the past five years, for whom it is a moderate, big, or very big problem

Methodology

From the 2007 Hearing Supplement Questions to the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS):

[NUMERATOR:]

IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS, have you been bothered by ringing, roaring, or buzzing in your ears or head that lasts for 5 minutes or more? *Read if necessary: Tinnitus (TIN-uh-tus) is the medical term for ringing, roaring or buzzing in the ears or head.

  1. Yes
  2. No

How long have you been bothered by this ringing, roaring, or buzzing in your ears or head?

  1. Less than 3 months
  2. 3 to 11 months
  3. 1 to 2 years
  4. 3 to 4 years
  5. 5 to 9 years
  6. 10 to 14 years
  7. 15 years or more

How much of a problem is this ringing, roaring, or buzzing in your ears or head?

  1. No problem
  2. A small problem
  3. A moderate problem
  4. A big problem
  5. A very big problem

Have you ever discussed this ringing, roaring or buzzing in your ears or head with your doctor or other health care professional?

  1. Yes
  2. No

IN THE PAST 5 YEARS, have you seen or been referred by your doctor or other health care professional to a ...Hearing specialist, such as an Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor? *Read if necessary: Include an Otolaryngologist (OH-toh-LAYR-ehn-GAHL-oh-jist) or Otologist (OH-tol-o-jist).

  1. Yes
  2. No

IN THE PAST 5 YEARS, have you seen or been referred by your doctor or other health care professional to ... An audiologist or hearing aid dispenser?

  1. Yes
  2. No

The denominator is calculated as the number of adults who responded: “Yes” to HRTIN and “1, 2, 3, or 4” to HRTINLNG and “3, 4, or 5” to HRTNPROB. The numerator includes the subjects in the denominator who also responded: “Yes” to HRTINDIS and “Yes” to HRENT or “Yes” to HRAUD or “Yes” to both HRENT and HRAUD. By the number of adults, we mean the weighted sample number estimated for the U.S. population. Then the percent that is measured and tracked is calculated by dividing the numerator by the denominator.

Tinnitus may occur at any age and is frequently associated with sensorineural hearing loss. Some tinnitus patients find moderately intense sounds very uncomfortable. This is called hyperacusis; when present, hyperacusis should be treated with the tinnitus. Recent onset of tinnitus may be related to changes in the auditory system that should be evaluated. Longstanding tinnitus can be difficult for many people to tolerate and may warrant treatment or interventions to reduce its impact on daily life. Tinnitus frequently affects emotional well-being, hearing, sleep, and concentration.

Some people have tinnitus so severe and stressful that it interferes with their ability to lead a normal life. The onset or worsening of tinnitus should be reported to one’s Health Care provider since it may reflect a recent health-related event, use of medications, etc., that may be treatable. If the patient is not helped by his/her primary Health Care provider, then he/she should be referred for care by a hearing specialist, an audiologist or otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose, and Throat [ENT] physician), who is trained to provide care for tinnitus patients. Especially for people who have experienced a recent onset of tinnitus, or worsening of their tinnitus, a complete medical examination is recommended to be able to determine if there is a serious illness that can be treated medically or surgically. There are several treatments that can help people who are bothered by tinnitus, including: a) counseling, b) sound therapy, c) hearing aids, d) psychological therapies, and e) medications.

This Indicator uses Age-Adjustment Groups:

  • Disability Status: 18-44, 45-64, 65-74,75+
  • Education Level: 25-44, 45-64, 65-74,75+
  • Race/Ethnicity: 18-44, 45-64, 65-74,75+
  • Family Income Level: 18-44, 45-64, 65-74,75+
  • Family Type: 18-44, 45-64, 65-74,75+
  • Sex: 18-44, 45-64, 65-74,75+
  • Health Insurance Status: 18-44, 45-64
  • Marital Status: 18-44, 45-64, 65-74,75+
  • Metro Location: 18-44, 45-64, 65-74,75+
  • Country of Birth: 18-44, 45-64, 65-74,75+
  • Total: 18-44, 45-64, 65-74,75+

References

Ciocon JO, Amede R, Lechtenberg C, Aster F. 1995. Tinnitus: a stepwise workup to quiet the noise within. Geriatrics. 50: 18–25.

Crummer RW, Hassan GA. Diagnostic approach to tinnitus. 2004. Am Fam Physician. 69: 120–126.

Degive C, Kos M-I. 2006. Joint medico-psychological consultation for patients suffering from tinnitus. ORL. 68: 38–42.