Abstract
Tinnitus is often a disturbing symptom which affects 6-20\% of the
population. Relationships among tinnitus pitch and loudness judgments,
audiometric speech understanding measures and self-perceived handicap
were evaluated in a sample of subjects with tinnitus and hearing
loss (THL). Data obtained from the THL sample on the audiometric
speech measures were compared to the performance of an age-matched
hearing loss only (HL) group. Both groups had normal hearing through
1 kHz with a sloping configuration of < or = 20 dB/octave between
2-12 kHz. The THL subjects performed more poorly on the low predictability
items of the Speech Perception in Noise Test, suggesting that tinnitus
may interfere with the perception of speech signals having reduced
linguistic redundancy. The THL subjects rated their tinnitus as annoying
at relatively low sensation levels using the pitch-match frequency
as the reference tone. Further, significant relationships were found
between loudness judgment measures and self-rated annoyance. No predictable
relationships were observed between the audiometric speech measures
and perceived handicap using the Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire.
These findings support the use of self-report measures in tinnitus
patients in that audiometric speech tests alone may be insufficient
in describing an individual's reaction to his/her communication breakdowns.
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