Work

Tinnitus and Cognition in the Elderly: Unraveling the Impact of Symptom Burden on Cognitive Decline

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Tinnitus has been increasingly recognized not only as an auditory disturbance but also as a condition that is potentially linked to cognitive decline, particularly in older adults. However, the relationship between tinnitus characteristics and cognitive impairment remains underexplored in clinical settings. This study aimed to (1) evaluate the association between chronic tinnitus and cognitive function in adults aged 60 years and above using standardized tools, and (2) determine whether tinnitus severity and duration are associated with increased risk of cognitive impairment. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 240 older adults, divided into tinnitus (n = 120) and non-tinnitus (n = 120) groups. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Cog (0–5) and SPMSQ (0–10) tools. Tinnitus severity and duration were evaluated using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and duration categories. Results: Participants with tinnitus were significantly older and had higher rates of hearing loss (58.33% vs. 33.33%, p = 0.001), depression (37.50% vs. 18.33%, p = 0.002), and poor sleep quality (51.67% vs. 31.67%, p = 0.003). Mini-Cog and SPMSQ scores were significantly lower in the tinnitus group (2.87 ± 1.14 vs. 3.52 ± 1.06; 6.95 ± 1.42 vs. 8.02 ± 1.18; both p < 0.001). Tinnitus presence, longer duration, and higher severity were independently associated with cognitive impairment. Each 10-point increase in THI score increased the odds of impairment by 45% (OR = 1.45, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Tinnitus burden, particularly when severe and prolonged, is significantly associated with cognitive impairment in older adults. These findings highlight the need for cognitive screening and integrated management in this population.

Source: Brain Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/brainsci15080869

Authors: Sarah Alshehri, Abdulaziz Abdulrahman S. Al Hatem

Institution: King Khalid University

Language: English

Topic: Hearing, Cochlea, Tinnitus, Genetics

Subfield: Sensory Systems

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,654