Prevalence and associated factors of tinnitus: data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009-2011.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Tinnitus is a common condition and frequently can be annoying to

affected individuals. We investigated the prevalence and associated factors for

tinnitus in South Korea using the data from the Korea National Health and

Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES) during 2009-2011. METHODS: KNHANES is a

cross-sectional survey of the civilian, non-institutionalized population of South

Korea (n = 21 893). A field survey team that included an otolaryngologist moved

with a mobile examination unit and performed interviews and physical

examinations. RESULTS: Among the population over 12 years of age, the prevalence

of any tinnitus was 19.7% (95% CI 18.8%-20.6%). Tinnitus was more prevalent in

women, and the prevalence rate increased with age (P < 0.001). Among those with

any tinnitus, 29.3% (95% CI 27.3%-31.3%) experienced annoying tinnitus that

affected daily life. Annoying tinnitus also increased with age (P < 0.001), but

no sex difference was demonstrated (P = 0.25). In participants aged 40 years or

older, age, quality of life, depressive mood, hearing loss, feeling of dizziness,

and rhinitis were associated with any tinnitus (P < 0.05). Age, hearing loss,

history of cardiovascular disease, and stress were associated with annoying

tinnitus (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Tinnitus is a common condition, and a large

population suffers from annoying tinnitus in South Korea. Public understanding of

associated factors might contribute to better management of tinnitus.