Impact of the somatosensory influence on annoyance and quality of life of individuals with tinnitus: A cross-sectional study

• Published in: Brazilian journal of otorhinolaryngology 2025-03, Vol.91 (2), p.101542, Article 101542
• Main Authors: Costa, Wildna Sharon Martins da, Araújo, Lucas Barbosa de, Bedaque, Henrique de Paula, Ferreira, Lidiane Maria de Brito Macedo, Ribeiro, Karyna Myrelly Oliveira Bezerra de Figueiredo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Original; Quality of life; Self report; Somatic; Somatosensory; Tinnitus
• ISSN: 1808-8694; 1808-8686; 1808-8686
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2024.101542

•Individuals with somatosensory tinnitus experience higher annoyance.•Stress and sleep disturbances are factors associated with the somatosensory tinnitus.•The somatosensory influence causes a greater impact of tinnitus on quality of life.•The somatosensory system must be considered when evaluating and managing tinnitus. To assess the impact of the somatosensory influence on annoyance and quality of life of individuals with tinnitus. This cross-sectional study included individuals with tinnitus of both sexes, aged ≥18 years, recruited from a specialized otolaryngology outpatient, and evaluated by a multidisciplinary team (otorhinolaryngologists, physical therapists, and audiologists). An evaluation adapted from the Diagnostic Criteria of Somatosensory Tinnitus (ST) was performed to verify the influence of the somatosensory system on the cause of tinnitus. The intensity of discomfort from tinnitus was assessed by the Numerical Rating Scale, the impact on quality of life by the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), and factors of exacerbation of tinnitus were self-reported. Individuals were divided into ST and non-ST groups. Unpaired t-test and Chi-Square were used for group comparisons; Cohen's d and Phi measured effect sizes. A total of 100 individuals were evaluated: 46 from the ST group and 54 from the non-ST group. The ST group demonstrated greater discomfort from tinnitus (p