Abstract:
Background:Tinnitus is one of the symptoms reported by individuals with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorders (ANSD). There are no studies examining the handicap caused by tinnitus in these cases. The study administered the ‘Self report tinnitus handicap questionnaire’ (SR-THQ) and estimated the pitch and loudness of tinnitus in individuals with ANSD.Material and Methods:SR-THQ was administered to 30 individuals diagnosed with ANSD. The participants subjectively rated their tinnitus pitch, loudness, and severity. Tinnitus was also determined by matching pitch and loudness in 25 of these individuals.Results:The mean percentage tinnitus handicap in individuals with ANSD was 59.3%. The majority of the participants reported their tinnitus frequency to be low-pitched, moderately loud, and the severity ranged from moderate to severe. There was a weak or moderately negative correlation between SR-THQ scores and tinnitus pitch and loudness.Conclusions:Tinnitus can cause emotional problems and affect daily life in individuals with ANSD. Thus, clinically, one should attempt to manage tinnitus in individuals with ANSD.