Tinnitus and Depression: Results from the population-based Gutenberg Health Study (GHS)

Introduction The occurrence of tinnitus and depressive symptoms seems to correlate. This is frequently observed in the clinical context when medical advice is sought due to one of these symptoms. The aim of this study was to report the prevalence of tinnitus and depressive symptoms measured by the PHQ-9 questionnaire in a large German cohort.

Material and methods The GHS is a prospective population-based cohort study and as such representative for the Mainz-Bingen region. Since 2017, study participants have been asked, among other things, about the occurrence of tinnitus and its burden (1 = little stressful to 5 = extreme stressful). Depressive symptoms were assessed using the PHQ-9 instrument. A score of 10 or higher war considered positive for at least a moderate depression.

Results A total of 8,539 participants were included (male: 51.1%, female: 48.9%). The average age was 60.7 years. The overall prevalence of tinnitus was 28.0%. In the PHQ-9, a sum score of 10 or higher was reported by 5.5% of all participants. Participants with a tinnitus were more frequently affected than those without (n=187 (7.9%) vs. n=279 (4.6%)). Furthermore, participants with tinnitus were 2.0 times more likely to report depressive symptoms (OR: 2.0 [95% CI: 1.6-2.6]). The overall sum of the PHQ-9 correlated positively with the subjective burden of tinnitus (Spearman′s r: 0.15).

Discussion In this study we found a strong correlation of tinnitus and depressive symptoms. The severity of both symptoms correlated significantly. Thus, an interdisciplinary approach is needed in the care of those affected.

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Artikel online veröffentlicht:
12. Mai 2023