Tinnitus is the perception of sound without a corresponding external sound source. This condition affects approximately 14% of adults, with approximately 2% experiencing severe symptoms. Underlying mechanisms of tinnitus suggest involvement of both peripheral and central processes, in which cochlear injury and deafferentation may trigger maladaptive plasticity, increased central gain, and thalamocortical...
No actionable change — this is a comprehensive review primer; clinicians may use it to update foundational knowledge but it does not introduce new clinical interventions or guidelines.
Establishing globally recognised prevalence figures and mechanistic frameworks for tinnitus in a high-impact journal will anchor future research funding decisions and policy discussions.
- 01Tinnitus affects approximately 14% of adults worldwide; severe tinnitus affects ~2%.
- 02Article covers underlying mechanisms and current scientific understanding of tinnitus.
- 03Published in Nature Reviews Disease Primers (DOI: 10.1038/s41572-026-00702-0).
- 04Provides a reference-level overview of prevalence, pathophysiology, and management landscape.
- 05Distinguishes between overall tinnitus burden and clinically significant (severe) cases.
Tinnitus affects approximately 14% of adults and is severe in approximately 2% of adults.
studysupported- PMID
- 42168216
- DOI
- 10.1038/s41572-026-00702-0.
- Journal
- Nature Reviews Disease Primers
- Publication type
- review
- Evidence level
- 5
- Population
- Adults with tinnitus (general population epidemiological scope)
Primary outcomes
Tinnitus prevalence and severity estimates; Description of underlying tinnitus mechanisms