Impact of Education, Sex, and Residence on Tinnitus Distress, Depression, and Anxiety

Objectives: This study aimed to analyse the effects of educational levels, sex, and residence on tinnitus-related distress, as well as the severity of depression and anxiety. Material and methods: A total of 235 patients with primary subjective tinnitus participated in the study. These patients underwent thorough evaluations in otorhinolaryngology and audiology. Additionally, all patients completed the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaires. Results: Patients with a primary school education scored significantly higher on the functional (F) subscale of the THI. When examining depression and anxiety levels, it was observed that patients with a primary school education exhibited the highest levels of anxiety, whereas those with a university education displayed the highest levels of depression. When analysing the effects of residency, slightly lower total THI scores were observed in individuals living in metropolitan areas. When comparing the subscale results of the THI, patients residing in metropolitan areas exhibited significantly lower scores on the F subscale. In terms of the total BDI and GAD-7 scores, there were no statistically significant differences observed. Women had slightly higher scores on the BDI and GAD-7, without statistical differences. However, women had significantly higher total THI scores. Additionally, women exhibited statistically significantly higher scores on the catastrophic (C) subscale. However, the results for the F and emotional (E) subscales did not show any statistically significant differences. There was no correlation between age and the THI, BDI, or GAD-7 scores. Conclusions: The results of this study reveal significant differences in tinnitus distress based on sex, educational levels, and residence locations, along with the presence of psychiatric symptoms, which should also be considered in tinnitus management.