EFFECTS OF HEARING AIDS ON TINNITUS IN GERIATRIC PATIENTS WITH AGE-RELATED HEARING LOSS

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of hearing aids on tinnitus in elderly patients with presbycusis using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory. Materials and Method: Twenty-four elderly patients who were diagnosed with presbycusis and subjective tinnitus between September 2013 and January 2014 were included in this study. The tinnitus handicap inventory questionnaire was completed before a hearing aid was prescribed and then 3 months after using the hearing aid. The effects of the use of hearing aid on tinnitus were assessed by comparing the scores. Results: A total of 24 patients, 10 females and 14 males were included in the study. Their ages ranged from 65 to 74 years, with a mean of 67.04 +/- 2.95. With respect to tinnitus handicap inventory scores, before using hearing aid the mean score was 60.08 +/- 11.86, and after 3 months it decreased to 42.33 +/- 13.48. This difference was found to be highly significant (p=0.001). For all degrees of hearing loss, the decrease in patients' tinnitus handicap inventory scores after the use of hearing aid was found to be statistically significant (26-40 dB; p-0.007, 41-55 dB; p - 0.018, >= 56 dB; p=0.011). Conclusion: Among elderly patients with tinnitus and presbycusis, a significant difference was observed in the severity of tinnitus after 3 months of hearing aid use. The results of this study confirm the effectiveness and benefit of fitting hearing aids for tinnitus in elderly patients with presbycusis.