To assess for longitudinal changes in the prevalence, duration, and self-perceived impact of persistent tinnitus amongst young adults (ages 18-24) in the United States.
Rising tinnitus prevalence and duration in young adults warrant earlier screening and counseling in clinical practice, particularly for patients with recreational noise exposure histories.
A 15-year upward trend in tinnitus among young adults signals a growing public health burden that will expand the future patient population seeking audiological care.
- 01Longitudinal data from 2008–2023 show tinnitus prevalence trends among adults aged 18–24.
- 02Study also tracked duration of tinnitus and self-reported impact on daily life over time.
- 03Rising prevalence in young adults may reflect increased recreational noise exposure (e.g., earbuds, concerts).
- 04Self-perceived impact data adds a patient-centered dimension beyond simple prevalence counts.
- 05Published in Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology.
Tinnitus prevalence among adults aged 18–24 has changed measurably between 2008 and 2023.
studysupportedTinnitus duration and self-perceived impact among young adults have trended upward over the study period.
studypartially supported- PMID
- 42089210
- DOI
- 10.1177/00034894261449794.
- Journal
- Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology
- Publication type
- research_article
- Evidence level
- 2b
- Population
- Adults aged 18–24 years
- Intervention
- Longitudinal surveillance of tinnitus prevalence, duration, and self-perceived impact
- Comparator
- Earlier time points (2008 baseline) vs. subsequent survey years through 2023
Primary outcomes
Tinnitus prevalence over time; Tinnitus duration trends; Self-perceived impact of tinnitus