Factors related to insomnia in adult patients with tinnitus and/or hyperacusis: an exploratory analysis

Aazh, Hashir; Baguley, David M.; Moore, Brian C.J.

Abstract

Background: People with tinnitus and/or hyperacusis often experience insomnia. However, it is unclear what factors are most strongly associated with insomnia. Purpose: To explore factors related to insomnia in patients with tinnitus and/or hyperacusis. Research Design: This was a retrospective study using multiple-regression analysis. Study Sample: Data were assessed for 444 consecutive patients who sought help concerning their tinnitus and/or hyperacusis from a specialist audiology center in the UK National Health Service. The average age of the patients was 54 years (standard deviation = 15 years). Data Collection and Analysis: The results of audiological tests and self-report questionnaires were gathered retrospectively from the records of the patients. Multiple-regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between insomnia and other variables. Results: Sixty-nine percent of patients with tinnitus experienced some form of insomnia as measured via the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). A multiple-regression model showed that ISI scores were significantly associated with depression scores measured via the depression subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) (regression coefficient [b] = 0.44, p < 0.001), tinnitus annoyance measured via the visual analog scale (VAS) (b = 0.49, p = 0.001), anxiety measured via the anxiety subscale of the HADS (b = 0.21, p = 0.012), and tinnitus handicap measured via the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (b = 0.07, p < 0.001). The model explained 45% of the variance in ISI scores. VAS scores for tinnitus loudness, hyperacusis-related measures, hearing thresholds, age, and gender were not significantly related to insomnia. Conclusions: The prevalence of insomnia in patients with tinnitus is high. Both tinnitus-related factors and psychological factors are related to the severity of insomnia. Hyperacusis is not significantly associated with insomnia.

Citation

Aazh, H., Baguley, D. M., & Moore, B. C. (2019). Factors related to insomnia in adult patients with tinnitus and/or hyperacusis: an exploratory analysis. Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, 30(9), 802-809. https://doi.org/10.3766/jaaa.18020

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 23, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Apr 22, 2019
• Publication Date: Apr 22, 2019
• Deposit Date: Aug 17, 2018
• Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Audiology
• Print ISSN: 1050-0545
• Electronic ISSN: 2157-3107
• Publisher: American Academy of Audiology
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 30
• Issue: 9
• Pages: 802-809
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3766/jaaa.18020
• Keywords: Insomnia; Tinnitus; Hyperacusis; Depression; Anxiety
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1036804
• Publisher URL: https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/aaa/jaaa/pre-prints/content-aaa.jaaa.18020;jsessionid=4hj4wh3qk5ckf.x-ic-live-01