Recurrent tinnitus and associated ear symptoms in adults.

This study aimed to reveal in general population the prevalence, associations, and statistical model of recurrent tinnitus by means of a mailed questionnaire. The study sample consisted of 1720 randomly selected adults who were classified into three subgroups: recurrent (once a month or more often), occasional (less often than once a month), and no tinnitus. According to age and gender standardized prevalence, recurrent tinnitus was reported in 15% of the sample. It was statistically highly significantly associated with earache, fullness of ears shoulder pain, the 25-years age group, and visits to a physician. The strongest predictor of recurrent tinnitus was fullness of ears followed by earache, shoulder ache, and temporomandibular disorder pain. We conclude that recurrent tinnitus seems to be quite common in adults and associated with earache and fullness of ears In patients with tinnitus without clinical findings, the examination of the stomatognathic system and cervical spine is recommended.