Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Correlation Between Tinnitus and Mental Health

Objective: This paper assesses the correlation between tinnitus and mental health, including depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, and suicide through meta-analysis.

Methods: Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane databases were searched until January 2024. After article screening, data extraction, and quality evaluation, meta-analysis was performed using Stata 15.1.

Results: 22 papers were enrolled, including 5 case-control studies, 8 cohort studies, and 9 cross-sectional studies. Meta-analysis uncovered that tinnitus was associated with depression (OR = 1.92, 95 % CI: 1.56, 2.36), anxiety (OR = 1.63, 95 % CI: 1.34, 1.98), stress (OR = 1.17, 95 % CI: 1.01, 1.36), insomnia (OR = 3.07, 95 % CI: 2.36, 3.98), and suicide (OR = 5.31, 95 % CI: 4.34, 6.51).

Conclusion: A correlation is indicated between tinnitus and mental health. Therefore, it is critical to incorporate psychological interventions in tinnitus treatment and to implement a comprehensive treatment program.