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...
✦ The floor
Discussion
Signed responses from readers of the wire.
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