The daily auditory environments of people with tinnitus

This study characterized typical noise exposure patterns in people with tinnitus relative to a control group. For a week, participants wore a personal noise dosimeter, with instructions to wear during all waking activities. The sample (n = 108) included both Tinnitus and Control groups. Data were analyzed first using summative metrics of daily sound exposure followed by functional data analysis (FDA) to reveal finer temporal differences in sound exposure between groups. We found that daily personal sound exposure, measured using the time-weighted average sound pressure levels (LAeq,8h), was lower for the Tinnitus relative to the Control group. Based on the dosimeter data, neither group was at ongoing risk of noise-induced hearing loss, as average daily sound levels did not exceed 75 dB LAeq,8h for either group. However, the Tinnitus group spent less time engaged in noisy activities (> 85 dBA) compared to the Control group, with notable differences for home environments. FDA revealed that group differences tended to be maximal around noon and evenings, periods where an individual is likely to have more control over their environment. Overall, we find that people with tinnitus had quieter environments, suggestive of leading quieter lives. Differences between groups may be explained by greater awareness of the risks of noise exposure or decreased sound tolerance in the Tinnitus group.