Clinical and audiological characteristics in adults with tinnitus in South Africa
South African Journal of Communication Disorders
| Field | Value | |
| Title | Clinical and audiological characteristics in adults with tinnitus in South Africa | |
| Creator | Khoza-Shangase, Katijah Mkhize, Snethemba P. | |
| Description | Background: In South Africa, the prevalence of tinnitus and its associated clinical and audiological characteristics remain underexplored, posing challenges in the assessment and management of the condition. This knowledge gap affects clinician preparedness and effectiveness in treating tinnitus.Objectives: This study aimed to explore the clinical and audiological characteristics of adult patients reporting tinnitus at a tertiary academic hospital in South Africa.Method: A quantitative, non-experimental, retrospective review of 129 patient audiological records from the Audiology Department at Helen Joseph Hospital was conducted. Among these, 71 records were of patients who reported experiences of tinnitus.Results: Tinnitus was reported by 55% of patients, with a higher prevalence in females (76%). The mean age of patients was 51.9 years. Unilateral tinnitus was present in 28% of cases, while 78% of patients had hearing loss, predominantly sensorineural. Common audiological characteristics included vertigo (24%), otalgia (14%), otorrhea (17%) and perforated tympanic membrane (15%). Clinical conditions associated with tinnitus included hypertension (32%), heart disease (28%), diabetes (9%) and head trauma (9%). Findings regarding age and gender differences in the clinical and audiological manifestations of tinnitus are presented.Conclusion: Further research with larger, diverse samples and prospective designs is necessary to confirm these findings and explore possible underlying causes.Contribution: The findings highlight the significant prevalence of tinnitus and its association with various clinical and audiological conditions in the South African context. Understanding these characteristics will enhance the clinician‘s ability to accurately assess, diagnose and manage tinnitus, leading to improved treatment outcomes. | |
| Publisher | AOSIS | |
| Date | 2024-11-06 | |
| Identifier | 10.4102/sajcd.v71i1.1069 | |
| Source | South African Journal of Communication Disorders; Vol 71, No 1 (2024); 11 pages 2225-4765 0379-8046 | |
| Language | eng | |
| Relation |
The following web links (URLs) may trigger a file download or direct you to an alternative webpage to gain access to a publication file format of the published article:
https://sajcd.org.za/index.php/sajcd/article/view/1069/2355
https://sajcd.org.za/index.php/sajcd/article/view/1069/2356
https://sajcd.org.za/index.php/sajcd/article/view/1069/2357
https://sajcd.org.za/index.php/sajcd/article/view/1069/2358
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