Parental separation and parental mental health in childhood and tinnitus and hyperacusis disability in adulthood: a retrospective exploratory analysis

Abstract

Objectives: To explore the relationships between parental separation and parental mental health in childhood with tinnitus and hyperacusis disability in adulthood.

Design: Retrospective cross-sectional.

Study sample: The data for consecutive patients who attended a tinnitus and hyperacusis clinic in the UK over a six months period were included (n = 184).

Results: 14.7% of patients reported that while they were growing up, their parents were separated or divorced. There were no significant differences in Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and Hyperacusis Questionnaire (HQ) between patients with and without history of parental separation. About 40.2% reported history of mental health disorders in their parents. The scores on THI and HQ were worse in the group that reported mental health disorders in their parents (p?<?.01). Parental mental health illness did not significantly relate to THI, however, it was significantly related to the risk of hyperacusis (odds ratio [OR], after adjusting for age and gender: 2.05, p?=?.026). The adjusted OR for a subgroup of patients with a diagnosis of hyperacusis was 6.7 (p?=?.011), indicating a stronger relationship for this subgroup.

Conclusions: Among patients seeking help for their tinnitus and hyperacusis, poor parental mental health was associated with increased hyperacusis disability.     

Microstate in resting state: an EEG indicator of tinnitus?

Abstract

Background: Tinnitus was a subjective auditory phantom phenomenon which could be highly distressing and had no objective indicators for evaluation.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate whether and how did electroencephalography (EEG) microstates of subjective tinnitus patients change in resting state and whether could be an objective indicator for tinnitus.

Material and Methods: We enrolled chronic subjective tinnitus patients and matched age and gender with healthy controls. EEG recording, microstate analysis and statistical analysis were performed.

Results: We finally had 10 male and 8 female age-matched participants in tinnitus group and healthy control group. Statistical differences were found in the microstate A, C and D durations between the two groups (class A, p = .024; class B, p = .018; class D, p?=?.029). Microstate durations of class A and D had linear correlation with VAS scores in tinnitus patients (microstate A [R spare = 0.43, p?=?.003*]; microstate D [R spare = 0.46, p?=?.002*]).

Conclusions: Microstates had changed in chronic tinnitus patients and provided an indicator or perspective to explore the mechanisms of tinnitus. The maintenance of chronic subjective tinnitus may be related to changes in cerebral cortex activity.     

Assessment of hyperacusis with a newly produced Japanese version of the Khalfa hyperacusis questionnaire

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of a Japanese version of the Khalfa hyperacusis questionnaire (KHQ) and proposed a threshold KHQ score for classifying hyperacusis.

Methods: In total, 112 patients with hyperacusis (group A) and 103 patients without hyperacusis (group B). The patients in group A were further classified into the following subgroups: subjects with hyperacusis as their chief complaint (n?=?26, group A1) and subjects with hyperacusis accompanied by chief complaints of tinnitus and/or hearing loss (n?=?86, group A2).

Results: The average total questionnaire score for patients in group A was 11.8?±?9.7, which was statistically significantly higher than that of patients in group B, 5.7?±?4.8. Cronbach’s coefficients for internal consistency were high for the total score (0.92). The average total scores for groups A1 and A2 were 18.1?±?11.1 and 9.9?±?8.4, respectively, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant.

Conclusions: We developed a Japanese version of the KHQ. It showed high reliability and validity; suggesting its usefulness in clinical practice. We propose that a total KHQ score of 16 is an appropriate cutoff for classifying hyperacusis     

Self-reported and behavioral sound avoidance in tinnitus and hyperacusis subjects,and association with anxiety ratings

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of the study was to analyse the role of sound avoidance and anxiety in tinnitus subjects with hyperacusis, defined as hypersensitivity to low to moderate intensity sounds. Design: A group of tinnitus subjects with hyperacusis was compared to tinnitus subjects without hyperacusis, and healthy controls. For assessing noise avoidance, a questionnaire was developed (noise avoidance questionnaire, NAQ) and the duration of self-exposure to a pure tone was assessed as a behavioral index. Different self-rating instruments concerning tinnitus (STI, TF-12), hyperacusis (GÜF), and anxiety (BAI, STAI-T) were used, as well as a psychoacoustic indicator of hyperacusis (ULL). Study sample: Fifty-six tinnitus subjects with/without hyperacusis and 30 controls without tinnitus and hyperacusis participated in the experiment. Results: The findings indicate that subjects with hyperacusis reported significantly more noise-related avoidance in daily life and show significantly shorter exposure to a pure tone than non-hyperacusic subjects, while discomfort was at the same level for each individual. Self-reported avoidance behavior correlated significantly with distress attributed to hyperacusis (r =0.81), and with anxiety ratings. Conclusions: These results suggest that hyperacusis is associated with noise-related avoidance behavior and anxiety. Systematic exposure to sound could play a significant role in the treatment of hyperacusis.     

Efficacy of combination therapy in adolescent and adult patients with total-deafness sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Background: Combination therapy is the first-line option for total-deafness sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). Age may act as a crucial prognostic factor.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare efficacy of combination therapy between adolescent and adult patients with total-deafness SSNHL.

Materials and methods: Twenty-five adolescent patients (adolescent group) and 106 adult patients (adult group) with total-deafness SSNHL were recruited. All the recruited patients underwent initial treatment with batroxobin, methylprednisolone, and gastrodin. After 10-day treatment, hearing outcomes were determined by pure-tone average measured by audiometry. Moreover, the total effective rates in the hearing recovery and improvement of tinnitus were calculated.

Results: There existed no significant difference between two groups in the total effective rate of the hearing recovery (p?=?.110). However, a significant difference was found in the total effective rate of improvement of tinnitus between two groups (p?=?.016). Both adolescent and adult patients could receive the optimal hearing gains at 500?Hz (20.2?±?13.3 and 23.1?±?13.9dB, respectively), followed by those at 1000?Hz (18.8?±?12.5 and 22.7?±?14.8dB, respectively). Yet, adult patients could get better hearing gains only at 500?Hz than adolescent patients (p?=?.02).

Conclusion: Compared with adult patients, adolescent patients with total-deafness SSNHL undergoing combination therapy may be less likely to have hearing recovery and the improvement of tinnitus.     

Tinnitus characteristics in patients with hyperacusis and vertigo (including Ménière's disease) vs. hyperacusis alone

Introduction and objectivesTo compare clinical and psychoacoustic tinnitus characteristics in patients with the comorbidity of hyperacusis, hyperacusis and vertigo, and with Ménière's disease (MD).Materials and methodsThree hundred and twenty-nine tinnitus patients underwent audiological and otoneurological evaluation. Records of 94 individuals younger than 65 years, 40 women and 54 men (mean age 41.8, range 24–64 years), who complained of tinnitus and hyperacusis, were analyzed. One hundred and thirty-one ears with tinnitus were identified: 67 in the group of patients with tinnitus and hyperacusis (group 1; 41 patients); 28 in the group fulfilling criteria of MD diagnosis (group 2; 28); and 36 in the group with tinnitus, hyperacusis and typical symptoms of vertigo (group 3; 25).Results and conclusionsMean value of interaural difference in canal paresis in group 1 was 6.3%; in group 2: 23.7%; and in group 3: 25.9%; p < .001. Mean tinnitus pitch value was significantly lower in group 3 (1679 Hz; SD = 1139) and group 2 (2250 Hz; SD = 1162) compared to group 1 (4538 Hz; SD = 3123; p = .012). Values of tinnitus intensity and other characteristics did not significantly differ between the groups. Tinnitus and hyperacusis were most frequently preceded by acoustic trauma. Tinnitus coinciding with hyperacusis and vertigo was observed in patients after head trauma.Mean tinnitus pitch was lower in the groups of patients with hyperacusis and peripheral labyrinthine lesion than in tinnitus sufferers with hyperacusis alone. Tinnitus sufferers with low tinnitus pitch should undergo vestibular system evaluation. Hyperacusis and vertigo are likely comorbidities in tinnitus patients after head trauma. Hyperacusis may coincide in tinnitus patients after head trauma.     

Effects of tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) for patients with tinnitus and subjective hearing loss versus tinnitus only

The patients with tinnitus and/or hyperacusis undergoing an 18-24 month period of TRT are divided into five categories of treatment. Different types of counselling and sound therapy are used in each category. Selection of patients into a specific category depends on such factors as: hyperacusis, subjective hearing loss and long-lasting effect of noise on tinnitus. The 108 cases were evaluated After 1 year of treatment. The results of therapy of 40 patients with tinnitus and subjective hearing loss (category II) were compared with the results of therapy of patients with tinnitus only (categories 0 and I). A special questionnaire, answered before and during the treatment, was used to assess the results. Our data indicate significant improvement in about 70% of patients with tinnitus only and in about 90% of patients with tinnitus and subjective hearing loss after one year of therapy.     

Uncomfortable loudness levels among children and adolescents seeking help for tinnitus and/or hyperacusis

Objective: To assess the prevalence of hyperacusis and severe hyperacusis among children and adolescents seen at an audiology outpatient tinnitus and hyperacusis service.

Design: This was a retrospective study. Hyperacusis was considered as present if the average uncomfortable loudness level (ULL) at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 8?kHz for the ear with the lower average ULL, which is denoted as ULLmin, was ≤77?dB HL. Severe hyperacusis was considered as present if the ULL was 30?dB HL or less for at least one of the measured frequencies for at least one ear.

Study sample: There were 62 young patients with an average age of 12?years (SD?=?4.1?years, range 4–18?years).

Results: Eighty-five percent of patients had hyperacusis and 17% had severe hyperacusis. On average, ULLs at 8?kHz were 9.3?dB lower than ULLs at 0.25?kHz. For 33% of patients, ULLs were at least 20?dB lower at 8 than at 0.25?kHz.

Conclusions: Among children and adolescents seen at an audiology outpatient clinic for tinnitus and hyperacusis, hyperacusis diagnosed on the basis of ULLs is very prevalent and it is often characterised by lower ULLs at 8 than at 0.25?kHz.     

Factors related to tinnitus and hyperacusis handicap in older people

Objective: The aim was to assess factors related to tinnitus and hyperacusis handicap in older people. Design: Retrospective cross-sectional. Study sample: Data were gathered for 184 patients with an average age of 69 years. Results: Tinnitus handicap as measured via the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) was significantly predicted by tinnitus annoyance as measured via the visual analogue scale (VAS) (regression coefficient, b?=?2.9, p?b?=?3.9, p?b?=?0.8, p?b?=?0.07, p?=?0.048). Insomnia scores as measured via the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were significantly predicted by scores on the depression subscale of the HADS (b?=?0.46, p?=?0.007). Conclusions: Since tinnitus annoyance significantly predicts tinnitus handicap, it is important to explore factors associated with annoyance that may be useful in designing appropriate rehabilitative interventions aimed at reducing tinnitus handicap in older people. Future studies should explore whether hyperacusis and insomnia in older people with tinnitus need to be managed in conjunction with treatment for depression.     

Interaction of tinnitus suppression and hearing ability after cochlear implantation

Objectives: To study the postoperative impact of cochlear implants (CIs) on tinnitus, as well as the impact of tinnitus on speech recognition with CI switched on.

Methods: Fifty-two postlingual deafened CI recipients (21 males and 31 females) were assessed using an established Tinnitus Characteristics Questionnaire and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) before and after cochlear implantation. The tinnitus loudness was investigated when CI was switched on and off in CI recipients with persistent tinnitus. The relation between tinnitus loudness and recipients’ satisfaction of cochlear implantation was analyzed by the visual analogue scale (VAS) score.

Results: With CI ‘OFF’, 42?CI recipients experienced tinnitus postimplant ipsilaterally and 44 contralaterally. Tinnitus was totally suppressed ipsilateral to the CI with CI ‘ON’ in 42.9%, partially suppressed in 42.9%, unchanged in 11.9% and aggravated in 2.4%. Tinnitus was totally suppressed contralaterally with CI ‘ON’ in 31.8% of CI recipients, partially suppressed in 47.7%, unchanged in 20.5%. Pearson correlation analysis showed that tinnitus loudness and the results of cochlear implant patients satisfaction was negatively correlated (r?=?.674, p?Conclusion: The study suggests six-month CI activation can be effective for suppressing tinnitus. The tinnitus loudness may affect patients’ satisfaction with the use of CI.     

Utilization patterns of systemic corticosteroid use for chronic rhinosinusitis

Objective: We sought to characterize the utilization pattern and factors associated with use of systemic corticosteroids for CRS.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 236 participants with CRS who were prospectively recruited. Participants reported the number of CRS-related oral corticosteroid courses taken in the last year. Baseline CRS symptomatology was measured using the 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) and SNOT-22 sleep, nasal, otologic/facial pain and emotional subdomain scores. Clinical and demographic characteristics were also collected. Association was determined between patient characteristics and oral corticosteroid use in the last year for CRS.

Results: Sleep (p?=?.026), nasal (p?p?=?.022) SNOT-22 subdomain scores, and nasal polyps (p?=?.007) were associated with CRS-related oral corticosteroid use. In study participants without polyps, past CRS-related oral corticosteroid use was associated with sleep (adjusted OR?=?1.56, 95%CI: 1.01–2.40, p?=?.043), otologic/facial pain (adjusted OR?=?1.65, 95%CI: 1.09–2.51, p?=?.019) and nasal subdomain scores (adjusted OR?=?1.59, 95%CI: 1.01–2.51, p?=?.047). In study participants with polyps, past CRS-related oral corticosteroid use was only associated with the nasal subdomain score (adjusted OR?=?2.20, 95%CI: 1.40–3.45, p?=?.001).

Conclusions: Past CRS-related oral corticosteroid use was associated with increased baseline severity of specific symptoms, which were different depending on the presence of polyps.     

Measurement of Loudness Discomfort Levels as a Test for Hyperacusis: Test-Retest Reliability and Its Clinical Value

ObjectivesThe aims of this study were to investigate the test-retest reliability of measurements of loudness discomfort levels (LDLs), to suggest cut-off values for diagnosing patients with hyperacusis, and to evaluate the clinical value of-LDL measurements as a test for monitoring hyperacusis.MethodsFor the test-retest reliability of LDL measurements (study 1), a total of 68 patients who sought consultations at our clinic were subcategorized into four groups: patients with tinnitus (group 1), tinnitus and hearing loss (group 2), hyperacusis (group 3), and normal controls (group 4). Inter-hour and inter-day test-retest reliability values using different stimuli were investigated. For study 2, the clinical value of LDL measurements using pure tone stimuli was analyzed by comparing changes after sound generator use in patients with hyperacusis.ResultsIn study 1, the group 3 patients showed significantly lower LDLs than the other groups. High test-retest reliability of LDL tests was demonstrated, regardless of the type of stimulus used. The cut-off values for screening patients with hyperacusis were 90 dB HL using pure tone stimuli and 62 dB HL using white-band noise stimuli. In study 2, significantly increased LDLs were correlated with improved symptoms and improved scores on tinnitus questionnaires after sound generator use, indicating that LDL measurement is a reliable test for monitoring hyperacusis during an intervention.ConclusionLDL measurement is a reliable diagnostic tool to reflect the condition of hyperacusis, especially during the course of treatment.     

Characteristics and prognosis of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss in aged people: a retrospective study

Abstract

Background: Few studies focused on the prognosis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL) of aged people.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to analyze the characteristics, treatment, and prognostic factors of ISSHL in aged people.

Material and methods: A total of 278 patients diagnosed of ISSHL in aged people from 2014 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Univariates were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic analysis.

Results: Among the 13 univariates, the patients’ age was younger in the overall recovery group ORG (p?=?.018), while onset days was shorter in ORG (p?=?.000). The percentage of DM and HTN comorbidities were higher in ORG (p?=?.026 and .038). Meanwhile differences were significant in audiogram configurations (p?=?.037), the degree of hearing loss (p?=?.033), and types of lipid treatment (p?=?.020). Then these seven independent risk factors were included in the multivariate analysis, final results indicated that hypertension (p?=?.028), lipid control groups (p?=?.009), age (p?=?.000), and onset days (p?=?.001) were related to the treatment outcome of ISSHL.

Conclusions: The prognosis of ISSHL in aged patients was closely related to age, the onset days of treatment, and good control of complications such as hypertension and hyperlipidemia, so vascular factors were considered as the main causes of morbidity.     

Patient-based outcomes in patients with primary tinnitus undergoing tinnitus retraining therapy

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), a validated patient-based outcomes measure, may improve our ability to quantify impact and assess therapy for patients with tinnitus. DESIGN: Nonrandomized, prospective analysis of 32 patients undergoing tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT). Assessment tools included comprehensive audiology, a subjective self-assessment survey of tinnitus characteristics, and the THI. Tinnitus Handicap Inventory scores were assessed at baseline and 6 months following TRT. RESULTS: Baseline analysis revealed significant correlation between the subjective presence of hyperacusis and higher total, emotional, and catastrophic THI scores. Tinnitus Handicap Inventory scores correlated with subjective perception of overall tinnitus effect (P<.001). Mean pure-tone threshold average was 17.4 dB, and mean speech discrimination was 97.0%. There were no consistent correlations between baseline audiologic parameters and THI scores. Following 6 months of TRT, the total, emotional, functional, and catastrophic THI scores significantly improved (P<.001). Loudness discomfort levels also significantly improved (P< or =.02). CONCLUSIONS: There is significant improvement in self-perceived disability following TRT as measured by the THI. The results confirm the utility of the THI as a patient-based outcomes measure for quantifying treatment status in patients with primary tinnitus.     

Comparison of characteristics observed in tinnitus patients with unilateral vs bilateral symptoms,with both normal hearing threshold and distortion-product otoacoustic emissions

Conclusion: Tinnitus characteristics in normal-hearing patients differ between the groups with unilateral and bilateral complaints.

Objectives: The study was to determine the differences between tinnitus characteristics observed in patients with unilateral vs bilateral symptoms and normal hearing threshold, as well as normal results of distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs).

Method: The patients answered questions concerning tinnitus duration, laterality, character, accompanying symptoms, and circumstances of onset. The results of tympanometry, auditory brainstem responses, tinnitus likeness spectrum, minimum masking level (MML), and uncomfortable loudness level were evaluated. Records of 380 tinnitus sufferers were examined. Patients with abnormal audiograms and/or DPOAEs were excluded. The remaining 66 participants were divided into groups with unilateral and bilateral tinnitus.

Results: Unilateral tinnitus in normal-hearing patients was diagnosed twice more frequently than bilateral. Tinnitus pitch was higher in the group with bilateral tinnitus (p?p?p?p?p?相似文献   

Alteration of auditory function in type 2 diabetic and pre-diabetic patients

Background: The association between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hearing loss has not been fully investigated and there is little information on the effects of pre-diabetes on alterations in auditory function in Chinese subjects.

Methods: The study recruited 51 patients with T2DM, 55 patients with pre-diabetes and 43 control subjects. Auditory function was assessed by pure tone audiometry (PTA) tests and distortion product of otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs). Tinnitus symptoms were recorded using a medical history questionnaire.

Results: A significantly larger number of patients with T2DM (45.1%) were affected by hearing loss, compared to pre-diabetes patients (23.6%; p?=?.04) and control subjects (25.6%; p?=?.02), as assessed by PTA. There was no significant difference in PTA between the number of pre-diabetes patients and control subjects. In contrast, mean DPOAEs amplitudes of the pre-diabetes patients were significantly lower than of the control subjects, at all frequencies investigated, except 0.75?kHz. A significantly greater number of pre-diabetes patients reported tinnitus symptoms.

Conclusions: Diabetes is associated with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, especially at high frequencies. While pre-diabetes is not necessarily associated with significant hearing loss, there may be cochlear malfunction, as indicated by DPOAEs. Thus, patients with pre-diabetes who have tinnitus may benefit from DPOAEs and PTA tests.     

Hearing disorder from music; a neglected dysfunction

Conclusion: Music-induced acute acoustic trauma is not inevitably linked to hearing dysfunction as validated by conventional pure tone audiometry. Tinnitus is often in combination with hyperacusis. Our results point at ‘silent hearing loss’ as the underlying pathology, having afferent nerve terminal damage rather than hair cell loss as the structural correlate.

Objectives: Exposure to loud music is one of the most common causes of acute acoustic trauma, which adolescents and teenagers experience by voluntary exposure to loud music of sound levels up to 110?dB(A).

Methods: The clinical and psychophysical data of 104 consecutive patients with music-induced hearing disorder (MIHD) were analyzed to construct individual hearing and tinnitus profiles. In all cases, tinnitus was the presenting symptom.

Results: Hearing abilities were normal in about two-thirds of the tinnitus patients. Tinnitus was experienced most often as a high-frequency tone (83%). The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) scores ranged from 0 to 94 with an average score of 43.1. Visual analog scales (VAS) were used to assess tinnitus loudness (average 42.4) and annoyance (average 54.2), and tinnitus awareness was estimated (average 60.3). All VAS values correlated strongly with the THI. Hyperacusis was present in 65% and 71% of the patients reported sleeping disorders.     

Predictors of hearing outcomes after stapes surgery in otosclerosis

Abstract

Background: The current surgical treatment of otosclerosis is stapes surgery; however, few studies have reported the predictors of surgical outcomes.

Aim/objective: This study aimed to investigate the prognostic predictors for postoperative hearing outcomes.

Materials and methods: A total of 181 ears in 152 patients undergoing stapes surgery at a tertiary referral centre in Taiwan from 1996 to 2016 were retrospectively enrolled and preoperative and intraoperative parameters were obtained. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine independent predictors of postoperative hearing outcomes. A regression model was also established. Hearing success was defined as a postoperative air-bone gap (ABG) ≤10?dB.

Results: In univariate analysis, the absence of floating footplate during surgery (p?=?.003) and small preoperative ABG (p?=?.014) were associated with successful hearing outcomes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis further revealed the absence of floating footplate during surgery (p?=?.010) and small preoperative ABG (p?=?.015) remained independent predictors of postoperative hearing success.

Conclusions and significance: Preoperative audiometric data and intraoperative finding may provide surgeons and patients with a better insight into surgical outcomes.     

Study of the relationship between the degree of tinnitus annoyance the presence of hyperacusis

IntroductionHyperacusis can be defined as a manifestation of an increased of central auditory pathways gain and can be considered a pre-tinnitus state. In some cases tinnitus can be caused by such increased gain.AimTo evaluate the prevalence of hyperacusis in patients with tinnitus and its relation to the annoyance of tinnitus.Materials and methodsRetrospective study with patients from the neurotology service complaining of tinnitus in the first consultation were submitted to clinical evaluation, a questionnaire and audiological evaluation of tinnitus and hyperacusis. The degree of annoyance of tinnitus and hyperacusis was measured using a visual analog scale.ResultsWe analyzed medical records of 309 patients, 169 (54.7%) females and 140 (45.3%) males. The mean age was 53 years. The median degree of tinnitus annoyance was 7. Hyperacusis was present in 57 (18.4%) patients, with a median degree of 5. The degree of annoyance due to tinnitus patients with hyperacusis was similar to that of patients without hyperacusis.ConclusionHyperacusis was present in 18.4% of patients with tinnitus. The degree of annoyance due to tinnitus had no correlation with the presence of hyperacusis.© 2014 Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.     

Comparison of clinical characteristics in patients with bilateral and unilateral tinnitus

Conclusion: Discomfort from bilateral tinnitus was more frequent and severe than that from unilateral tinnitus. Also, patients with bilateral tinnitus were significantly older and tended to have a longer duration of tinnitus than those with unilateral tinnitus. Background and subjects: Although bilateral tinnitus differs from unilateral tinnitus, their treatment is identical. Clinical characteristics associated with tinnitus, including tinnitograms, were retrospectively examined in 105 patients with unilateral tinnitus and 102 with bilateral tinnitus evaluated in the center between January 2012 and January 2014. This study compared the two groups to assess the characteristics differentiating their treatment. Results: Mean age was significantly higher in patients with bilateral than unilateral tinnitus (p = 0.04), but gender distribution and duration of tinnitus were similar in the two groups. Both tinnitus handicap index (THI) and Beck depression index (BDI) values were significantly higher in patients with bilateral than unilateral tinnitus (p < 0.05 each). Rates of hyperacusis (p = 0.23), ear fullness (p = 0.16), and vertigo (p = 0.31) did not differ significantly between the two groups. Also, audiology test results, including tinnitograms, showed no significant differences.