Clinical and Demographic Characterization of Tinnitus and Factors Associated With Discomfort in a Large Sample of Patients Evaluated in Bogotá, Colombia
German Alejandro Pabón Ochoa, Miguel Humberto Parra PintoPurpose:
The purpose of this study was to clinically and demographically characterize tinnitus in a large sample of patients evaluated in Bogotá, Colombia, and to analyze the factors associated with the level of discomfort.
Method:
A total of 763 medical histories of adults seen between 2018 and 2024 at a specialized tinnitus center were analyzed. Demographic, clinical, and audiological data were collected, in addition to scores from self-report instruments (Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire, Visual Analog Scale, and percentages of awareness and irritability). A synthetic discomfort index was constructed by utilizing principal component analysis, and subgroup comparisons and correlation analyses were carried out.
Results:
In the studied sample, the most frequent presentation was nonpulsatile, constant, sudden-onset, bilateral tinnitus, with a median duration of 18 months, primarily affecting sleep and concentration. Besides, both noise exposure and stress were mentioned as triggering factors that increased discomfort. Higher distress levels were observed in women, individuals from cities other than Bogotá, and those reporting a history of migraine or headache, stress, anxiety, or depression; clinically estimated higher noise exposure; or prior tinnitus treatments. Moreover, tinnitus-related discomfort showed a positive correlation with symptom duration and with the number of affected daily-life activities.
Conclusions:
These findings contribute to a better understanding of the tinnitus profile in the Colombian population and provide useful evidence to guide intervention strategies. The observed associations underscore the need for comprehensive, individualized management approaches and for continued research on the factors that may influence its progression and treatment.