Work absence and ability in tinnitus patients: the role of hyperacusis and tinnitus severity.

Abstract

Objective: Identify factors predicting work capacity among patients with tinnitus and hyperacusis.

Design and study sample: This study employed a cross-sectional design, collecting data from four Norwegian audiology clinics (N = 80) and two Norwegian rehabilitation centres (N = 47). The patients in this study were invited to complete a web-based questionnaire.

Results: This study found significant positive correlations between levels of tinnitus, hyperacusis, and mental distress (rs in the range .51 - .74). Logistic regression models showed that reduced work capacity was predicted by both tinnitus (OR = 1.07) and hyperacusis (OR = 1.13), and that hyperacusis predicted work absence (OR = 1.08).

Conclusion: The findings demonstrate a moderate association between tinnitus and hyperacusis (r = .51), with both conditions affecting the work capacity of more than 50% of participants in the study. Moreover, the results indicate that the severity of tinnitus and hyperacusis is directly related to impaired work capacity and higher rates of work absence.