Khaberni - Scientists from Gaziantep University Medical Center in Turkey have discovered that chronic tinnitus — a constant ringing or buzzing in the ears — is associated with an increased risk of developing depression and anxiety.
A study published in the journal Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment suggests that chronic tinnitus — appearing as constant ringing or buzzing — may be linked to a threefold increased risk of developing depression and anxiety in some cases.
The study included 100 people who had been suffering from tinnitus for at least six months, where researchers assessed the severity of symptoms using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), alongside evaluating the psychological state with specialized tests, including the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).
Clear association between tinnitus severity and psychological state
The analysis showed a moderate but consistent correlation between the severity of tinnitus and levels of depression and anxiety. Even after taking multiple factors into account, high scores on the THI remained associated with elevated levels of psychiatric disorders, especially in patients with severe tinnitus.
It was found that individuals scoring over 58 on the THI were approximately 3.1 times more likely to suffer from moderate to severe depression, and about 2.8 times more likely to experience anxiety compared to others.
Potential neurobiological explanation
Scientists suggest that the relationship between tinnitus and psychological state may be due to an overlap of neural networks responsible for sound processing, emotional regulation, and cognitive control.
The study also showed that individuals with tinnitus experience changes in the activity of several brain areas, including:
The auditory cortex
The limbic system
The frontal lobe
The amygdala
The insular cortex
The anterior cingulate cortex
These changes may enhance the emotional impact of tinnitus, increasing discomfort and aiding its persistence.
