The role of tinnitus distress in the development of somatization symptoms among patients: implications for health care in Pakistan

Purpose Tinnitus patients are among the most vulnerable group to develop psychopathological symptoms over time if left unresolved. This study aims to investigate the role of tinnitus distress between tinnitus magnitude, cognitions and functional difficulties in the development of somatization symptoms among male and female patients experiencing ear-related problems due to lack of proper access to health care. Design/methodology/approach This study was based on a purposive sampling technique and sample consisted on 159 patients (97 male, 62 female) having tinnitus complaints, with age range 18–87 (M = 47.94, SD = 17.47) years, recruited from various clinics and hospitals of Islamabad, Pakistan, from December 2020 to July 2021. Findings The findings of this study showed that tinnitus distress is significant positively associated with tinnitus-related magnitude, negative cognitions, functional difficulties and somatization symptoms. Gender-related differences between male and female tinnitus patients revealed that females are more prone to depict higher levels of tinnitus distress, tinnitus magnitude, negative cognitions and somatization symptoms than male patients. Mediation analysis demonstrated that tinnitus distress serves as a mediator between tinnitus magnitude, cognitions, functional difficulties and somatization symptoms. Research limitations/implications Cross-sectional nature and self-reporting measures serve as a limitation of the study. An experimental study appears to be vital to ascertain the time-based relationship with tinnitus magnitude in the development of various psychopathological issues. The findings of this study contribute to the literature by highlighting the role of tinnitus distress in the origination of psychopathological symptoms like somatization and need of upgraded health-care systems in Pakistan. Originality/value This study has explored the mediating role of tinnitus distress between magnitude, cognitions, functional difficulties and somatization symptoms among Pakistani population, specifically mentioning the development of somatization symptoms among this population, which can contribute in the loss of earning and increased health expenses due to unawareness of proper health-care approach.