
Characterization of tinnitus in the elderly and its possible related disorders
2009; Elsevier BV; Volume: 75; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1016/s1808-8694(15)30786-2
ISSN1808-8694
AutoresLidiane Maria de Brito Macedo Ferreira, Alberto Novaes Ramos, Eveline Pereira Mendes,
Tópico(s)Vestibular and auditory disorders
ResumoPopulation aging it is a current reality in Brazil and tinnitus appears as a very prevalent symptom, having a high impact on the quality of life of elderly patients.To evaluate and to characterize tinnitus in this group.A research questionnaire randomly given to 100 elderly patients in a tertiary hospital, asking about tinnitus characteristics, its impact on the life of the patient, and personal medical history.61% of the participants were female, average age average was 69.53 years. The results associated with tinnitus features were: no-pulsatile 76%, continuous 54%, bilateral 57%, recent 62% and alone 83%;32,5% had emotional disorders, 31.8% had sleep disorders, 22.5% had difficulties concentration and 13.2% had social problems; 39% classified their tinnitus in moderate; 35% had intense tinnitus and 26% considered it a mild one: as to comorbidities: relation with neurotology symptoms and hypertension; as for associations with audiometry findings: descending, sensorineural and symmetrical curves prevailed.Tinnitus has a relevant impact on the lives of the elderly; there was no correlation between the level of hearing loss and the level of patient dissatisfaction caused by tinnitus; and presbycusis was the most common finding in the audiometric tests.
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