ArticleOtology & neurotology : official publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [and] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology2026
Correlation Between Life Stress and Tinnitus Severity.
Article in Otology & neurotology : official publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [and] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
objectiveTo evaluate the association between tinnitus severity and validated measures of life stress.
backgroundAn estimated 740 million people worldwide experience tinnitus, with approximately 17% reporting severe symptoms associated with reduced quality of life. In 1985, Gerber et al. failed to identify a correlation between tinnitus severity and life stress and suggested limited value in psychotherapy-based interventions. However, current guidelines widely recommend stress-reduction strategies such as cognitive behavioral therapy and meditation for tinnitus management.
methodsA retrospective cross-sectional analysis of patients undergoing tinnitus evaluation at a Tertiary Academic Center between 2011-2022 was performed. Statistical analyses included T-test, linear regression, and ordinary least squares regression.
resultsA total of 785 patients (mean age 53.9 ± 15.4 years; 52.6% male) were included. Constant tinnitus was reported by 76% of patients, though tinnitus constancy showed no correlation with Holmes-Rahe (HR) stress scores or THI/TRQ scores. Ringing was the most commonly reported tinnitus percept (52%), followed by other (39%), buzzing (25%), tonal (11%), humming (10%), and static (9%), with no percept type correlating with stress or severity scores. OLS regression demonstrated a significant positive correlation between tinnitus awareness, THI, and TRQ scores and HR risk scores, a subcategory predicting stress-related illness. Normal high-frequency bilateral DPOAEs were associated with higher THI/TRQ scores compared to absent, abnormal, or uncertain responses (p < 0.05). No associations were observed with low- or mid-frequency DPOAEs.
conclusionsTinnitus severity is positively correlated with higher risk scores for stress-related illness and normal hearing in the high frequencies.
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