EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PATTERN OF TINNITUS IN EKITI

Objective: Tinnitus is common otological symptoms yet the aetiopathogenesis is poorly understand and poorly managed. This study aimed at determining the prevalence, sociodemographic features, aetiology, comorbidity and its impact upon quality of life in patients with tinnitus in the studied population. Methods: This prospective study of patients diagnosed of tinnitus was carried out in the Ear, Nose and Throat Department of Ekiti state university teaching hospital, Ado Ekiti between March 2012 and February 2017. Interviewer assisted questionnaire was used to document the biodata, history of tinnitus associated medical illnesses, sociodemographic profile and complete clinical examination including Hearing assessment, weight and blood pressure. Data obtained were collated and analyzed using SPSS version 16. The data were expressed in table, bar chart and pie chart. The study had ethical clearance from the Institution and informed consented was obtained from the subjects. Results: A total of 5,221 patients were seen in ear, nose and throat department of Ekiti state university teaching hospital. Total of 458 patients with tinnitus consented and were enrolled into the study. Prevalence of tinnitus in this study was 11.4%. The male were 64.7% and the male female ratio was 3:2. The peak age group was in the third decade. There were 41.8% married and 27.6% widow/widower with tinnitus. Majority of the studied population were Christian 408 (89.0%). Secondary level of education was 43.9% while post secondary education level was 33.2%. Civil servant accounted for 31.9% and farmer accounted for 23.5%. Smoking was noticed in 17.3% and alcohol consumption accounted for 34.8%. Major aetiological agent were ototoxicity, chronic suppurative otitis media and noise exposure as 24.3%, 17.6% and 14.3% respectively. Majority of the studied participants had 68.4% recurrent/persistent tinnitus, 31.6%, single episode of tinnitus, 53.8% short duration tinnitus, 41.7% unilateral tinnitus, 22.1% right ear tinnitus, 95.1% subjective tinnitus, 60.3% discrete tinnitus, 82.1% intermittent tinnitus and 81.1% non pulsatile tinnitus. Tinnitus caused majority of sleep disturbances, social functioning, headache and general health as follows 54.3%, 34.2%, 32.7% and 27.1% respectively. The otological symptoms associated with tinnitus were hearing loss, earache and ear discharge they were as follows 49.5%, 26.4% and 23.1% respectively. The order of comorbid illnesses were diabetes mellitus 12.9%, obesity 7.8% and hypertension 6.1%. Normal hearing was noticed in 26.4%.Referral were mainly from 56.2% general practitioners. Prior to presentation previous treatment received were 49.8% Nil treatment. Conclusion: Tinnitus is a common otological symptoms with prevalence of 11.4% Ekiti state university teaching hospital, Nigeria. There are various aetiological agent associated with comorbid illnesses and impact on quality of life of the suffer