The influence of tinnitus and hearing loss on the functional status of military Service members and Veterans. (3rd January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lewis, M. Samantha; Reavis, Kelly M.; Griest, Susan; Carlson, Kathleen F.; Gordon, Jane; Henry, James A.
• Is Part Of: International journal of audiology. Volume 62:Number 1(2023)
• Page Start: 44
• Page End: 52
• Publication Date: 2023-01-03
• Subjects: Noise -- epidemiology -- tinnitus -- psycho-social/emotional; Audiology -- Periodicals; Hearing disorders -- Periodicals; Deafness -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Hearing Disorders -- Periodicals; Hearing -- Periodicals; 617.8
• DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2021.2017494
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1499-2027

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: This study evaluated the influence of tinnitus and hearing loss on the functional status of military Service members and Veterans. Design: Participants completed audiologic testing and self-report instruments to assess tinnitus, hearing, and general functioning. We conducted multiple linear regression analyses using cross-sectional data with functional status as the dependent variable. The primary independent variables were tinnitus and average low-, high-, and extended high-frequency hearing thresholds. Secondary independent variables were subjective tinnitus severity and hearing difficulties. Each of the independent variables was modelled separately for Service members and Veterans; covariates for each multivariable model were identified a priori and, depending on the association being modelled, included age, gender, blast-wave exposure, and history of military traumatic brain injury. Study Sample: Data were analysed from 283 Service members and 390 Veterans. Results: After controlling for potential confounders, presence of tinnitus, tinnitus severity, average low-frequency hearing thresholds, and subjective hearing difficulties were significantly associated with functional status in Service members and Veterans. Conclusions: These results suggest that tinnitus and poorer low-frequency hearing, and the perceived severity of tinnitus and hearing difficulties, may be associated with poorer functional status among Service members and Veterans.