A questionnaire study of the quality of life and quality of family life of individuals complaining of tinnitus pre- and postattendance at a tinnitus clinic

Tinnitus is a condition that is difficult to treat, and treatment outcomes are difficult to measure. The majority of people who experience tinnitus are not troubled by it; however, the troubled minority are referred by an otorhinolaryngologist for specialist clinic help. The aim of this study was to investigate how the impact of tinnitus changes following attendance at a tinnitus clinic and to find out how acceptable the questionnaires used were for measuring recovery. Fifty-seven tinnitus sufferers completed three questionnaires covering the characteristics of tinnitus, and its effect on daily life, quality of life, and quality of family life, before and after treatment at the Nottingham Tinnitus Clinic. Questionnaires were answered at patients' homes while they were on the waiting list to attend the clinic, and again 1 year after their first attendance. Measures of functional and social handicap were significantly reduced following attendance at the clinic (mean change in functional handicap=13%, p<0.01, and mean change in social handicap=8%, p<0.01). Quality of life was significantly better after treatment at the clinic (mean visual analog scale difference=6.5%, p=0.01). We conclude that attendance at the Nottingham Tinnitus Clinic had a positive effect on the impact of tinnitus on patients and their families, and that the questionnaires gave an accurate measure of patient distress.