Cluster Analysis of Clinical Characteristics, Sleep Quality, Depression and Melatonin Levels in Patients with Idiopathic Subjective Tinnitus

Since the relationship between tinnitus and quality of sleep is still a subject of research, serum melatonin levels may have a role. The aim was to reveal the structural similarities or dissimilarities regarding clinical features, tinnitus-related quality of life (QoL) effects, serum melatonin levels, and sleep quality in patients who have unilateral idiopathic subjective tinnitus.

Preliminary findings suggest tinnitus patients may benefit from subgroup-targeted management addressing sleep and mood, but the cluster model requires prospective validation before changing clinical practice.

Identifying biologically and psychologically distinct tinnitus subgroups could pave the way for precision medicine approaches and move the field beyond one-size-fits-all tinnitus management.

1. 01Cluster analysis identified distinct subgroups of tinnitus patients based on sleep quality, depression scores, and melatonin levels.
2. 02Patients with idiopathic (unexplained) subjective tinnitus showed measurable differences in melatonin across clusters.
3. 03Sleep disturbance and depression co-occur with tinnitus at rates that vary meaningfully across identified clusters.
4. 04The approach offers a framework for personalising tinnitus therapy targeting sleep and mood pathways.
5. 05Cross-sectional design limits causal conclusions; prospective studies are needed.

PMID

42345427

DOI

10.65717/iao.2026.252274.

Journal

International Archives of Otorhinolaryngology

Publication type

research_article

Evidence level

4

Population

Patients with idiopathic subjective tinnitus

Intervention

Cluster analysis of clinical characteristics, sleep quality, depression scores, and serum melatonin levels