Tinnitus link to cognitive problems

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

People with moderate to severe tinnitus do less well on memory and attention tests than those without tinnitus, according to a new study.
Tinnitus is characterized by a buzzing or ringing in the ears which can be temporary, intermittent or permanent. Its cause is not known but it can be linked to hearing loss, allergies or exposure to loud noise or certain medicines. Tinnitus is distracting and this was explored by researchers at the University of Western Sydney, Australia.

A group of 19 people in the 34 to 63 age group with moderate to severe tinnitus was compared to a group of 19 controls without tinnitus. They all did memory and attention tests and those with tinnitus had worse results. But on less complex tests, no differences were found, which suggests that tinnitus does not affect automatic, involuntary responses. The findings will be useful in helping develop strategies for helping people to manage their tinnitus.

Source
Journal of Speech, Language and Hearing Research March 2006