Tinnitus and tinnitus disorder: Genetic, neurobiological, and clinical differentiation

Tinnitus is the conscious perception of sound in the absence of an external acoustic source. When accompanied by emotional distress, cognitive dysfunction, or autonomic arousal leading to behavioral and functional impairment, it is termed "tinnitus disorder." This perspective synthesizes genetic, epidemiological, and neuroimaging evidence supporting the distinction between tinnitus and tinnitus disorder....

Clinicians should consider applying the proposed tinnitus vs. tinnitus disorder distinction in intake assessments, as it may better identify patients who need psychological or autonomic co-management beyond standard audiological care.

Formally distinguishing tinnitus from tinnitus disorder using genetic and neurobiological markers could improve patient stratification, clinical trial design, and targeted treatment matching in audiology.

1. 01The study proposes separate definitions for 'tinnitus' (sound perception only) and 'tinnitus disorder' (with distress, cognitive or autonomic features).
2. 02Genetic and neurobiological evidence is used to support the clinical distinction.
3. 03Tinnitus disorder involves emotional distress, cognitive dysfunction, or autonomic arousal (e.g., elevated heart rate or stress responses).
4. 04The framework could improve patient stratification for research and clinical care.
5. 05Published in iScience (DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2026.116080).

PMID

42291209

DOI

10.1016/j.isci.2026.116080.

Journal

iScience

Publication type

research_article

Evidence level

5

Population

Individuals with tinnitus, including those with and without associated distress or neurobiological features

Intervention

Genetic, neurobiological, and clinical differentiation framework for tinnitus vs. tinnitus disorder

Comparator

Tinnitus without disorder vs. tinnitus disorder