title: Tinnitus in elderly population: clinic correlations and impact upon QoL.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Tinnitus is a common health problem that affects between 10 - 30% of the population, approximately 3 - 4% presenting to the doctor at least once in their life. There are many causes that lead to tinnitus in elderly population, including otology, metabolic, neurologic or cardiovascular conditions. The aim of this study was to determine the association of tinnitus with these chronic comorbidities among elderly community and its impact upon their quality of life.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed a clinical retrospective study on 471 ENT patients hospitalized for various diseases, up to 60 years old, for a period of 24 months. All subjects were assessed for subjective tinnitus, neuro-vascular comorbidities and QoL by use of the brief version of the World Health Organization QoL instrument.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Tinnitus was reported in 114 patients, giving a prevalence of 24,2%. Variables like gender, residence, economic status, alcohol or smoking were not significantly associated with tinnitus. On the other hand, otic and sinonasal pathology, dizziness, hypertension, arteriosclerosis or diabetes were significantly correlated. All patients with tinnitus presented a more negative perception of their overall health and a poorer QoL, compared to those without.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Tinnitus is a common pathology among elderly community. Its association with chronic treatable health comorbidities reduces QoL and highlights the need of cooping strategies among this group population.
authors.affiliation: ENT&HNS Department, Sfanta Maria Hospital, Bucharest Romania. mezeiandreea@yahoo.com
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Negrila-Mezei
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Enache
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sarafoleanu
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology