Key points Question What is the global prevalence and incidence of tinnitus? Findings This systematic review and meta-analysis estimated the annual incidence of tinnitus to be approximately 1%, with 14% of adults experiencing tinnitus and 2% experiencing a severe form. The prevalence of tinnitus did not differ by sex, but increasing prevalence was associated with increasing age, with tinnitus present in 10% of young adults, 14% of middle-aged adults, and 24% of middle-aged adults. of older adults. Meaning This study suggests that the global burden of tinnitus is large, similar to migraine and pain, and the lack of effective treatment options justifies a large investment in research in this area. |
Importance
To date, no systematic review has adopted a meta-analytic approach to estimate the prevalence and incidence of tinnitus in the general population.
Aim
Provide estimates of tinnitus frequency worldwide.
Data sources
An overview review followed by a traditional systematic review was performed by searching PubMed-MEDLINE and Embase from inception to November 19, 2021.
Study selection
Research data were selected from the general population and studies based on patients or population subgroups with selected lifestyle habits were excluded. No restrictions were applied according to date, age, gender and country.
Data extraction and synthesis
Relevant information extracted included study type, time and location, end point, population characteristics, and definition of tinnitus. The study followed the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) reporting guideline.
Main results and measures
Pooled prevalence estimates of any tinnitus, severe tinnitus, chronic tinnitus, and diagnosed tinnitus, as well as tinnitus incidence, were obtained using random-effects meta-analytic models; Heterogeneity between studies was controlled using the χ 2 test and inconsistency was measured using the I 2 statistic.
Results
Among 767 publications, 113 eligible articles published between 1972 and 2021 were identified , and prevalence estimates from 83 articles and incidence estimates from 12 articles were extracted.
The pooled prevalence of any tinnitus among adults was 14.4% (95% CI, 12.6%-16.5%) and ranged from 4.1% (95% CI, 3.7%-4.0%). 4%) to 37.2% (95% CI, 34.6%-39.9%). %).
Prevalence estimates did not differ significantly by sex (14.1% [95% CI, 11.6%-17.0%] among men; 13.1% [95% CI, 10.5%-16.2 %] among women), but increased prevalence was associated with age (9.7% [95% CI, 7.4%-12.5%] among adults aged 18 to 44 years; 13.7% [CI 95%, 11.0%-17.0%] among those aged 45 to 64 years; and 23.6% [95% CI, 19.4%-28.5%] among those aged 65 years and older; P < .001 between age groups).
The pooled prevalence of severe tinnitus was 2.3% (95% CI, 1.7%-3.1%), with a range of 0.5% (95% CI, 0.3%-0. 7%) to 12.6% (95% CI, 11.1%-14.1%).
The pooled prevalence of chronic tinnitus was 9.8% (95% CI, 4.7%-19.3%) and the pooled prevalence of diagnosed tinnitus was 3.4% (95% CI, 2.1). %-5.5%).
The pooled incidence rate of any tinnitus was 1164 per 100,000 person-years (95% CI, 479-2828 per 100,000 person-years).
Conclusions and relevance
Despite substantial heterogeneity among studies, this comprehensive systematic review on the prevalence and incidence of tinnitus suggests that tinnitus affects more than 740 million adults worldwide and is perceived as a major problem by more than 120 million. of people, mostly 65 years or older.
Health policy makers should consider the global burden of tinnitus and greater effort should be devoted to advancing tinnitus research.
