/OBJECTIVES: Tinnitus is a prevalent auditory condition associated with significant psychological burden and limited treatment efficacy. While physical activity confers broad health benefits, its relationship with tinnitus remains understudied. This study examined associations between domain-specific physical activity and tinnitus in a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults.
This cross-sectional observational study cannot establish causation; audiologists should not yet recommend specific activity domains to reduce tinnitus, but results support continued investigation into lifestyle factors as part of holistic tinnitus management discussions.
Identifying modifiable lifestyle factors like domain-specific physical activity could open new avenues for tinnitus prevention and non-pharmacological management strategies.
- 01Analyzed NHANES 2015–2018 data to examine physical activity type and tinnitus outcomes.
- 02Different activity domains (e.g., occupational vs. leisure) showed distinct associations with tinnitus prevalence.
- 03Psychological burden of tinnitus was also examined across activity categories.
- 04Cross-sectional design limits causal interpretation of findings.
- 05Large nationally representative sample strengthens generalizability of associations.
Domain-specific physical activity types are differentially associated with tinnitus prevalence.
studypartially supportedPhysical activity domain is associated with the psychological burden of tinnitus.
studypartially supported- PMID
- 42345629
- DOI
- 10.3390/audiolres16030090.
- Journal
- Audiology Research
- Publication type
- research_article
- Evidence level
- 2b
- Population
- US general population adults from NHANES 2015–2018 survey
- Intervention
- Domain-specific physical activity (occupational, leisure, transport, household)
- Comparator
- Low or no physical activity within each domain
Primary outcomes
Tinnitus prevalence; Psychological burden of tinnitus