The influence of tinnitus and hearing loss on the functional status of military Service members and Veterans

Objective This study evaluated the influence of tinnitus and hearing loss on the functional status of military Service members and Veterans. Design Participants completed audiologic testing and self-report instruments to assess tinnitus, hearing, and general functioning. We conducted multiple linear regression analyses using cross-sectional data with functional status as the dependent variable. The primary independent variables were tinnitus and average low-, high-, and extended high-frequency hearing thresholds. Secondary independent variables were subjective tinnitus severity and hearing difficulties. Each of the independent variables was modelled separately for Service members and Veterans; covariates for each multivariable model were identified a priori and, depending on the association being modelled, included age, gender, blast-wave exposure, and history of military traumatic brain injury. Study Sample Data were analysed from 283 Service members and 390 Veterans. Results After controlling for potential confounders, presence of tinnitus, tinnitus severity, average low-frequency hearing thresholds, and subjective hearing difficulties were significantly associated with functional status in Service members and Veterans. Conclusions These results suggest that tinnitus and poorer low-frequency hearing, and the perceived severity of tinnitus and hearing difficulties, may be associated with poorer functional status among Service members and Veterans.