Abstract
Numerous studies show that impairments in chronic tinnitus are closely connected
with psychosomatic and other concomitant symptoms. This overview summarizes some
of these studies. Beyond hearing loss, individual interactions of medical and
psychosocial stress factors as well as resources are of central importance.
Tinnitus related distress reflects a large number of intercorrelated,
psychosomatic influences – such as personality traits, stress reactivity
and depression or anxiety – which can be accompanied by cognitive
difficulties and should be conceptualized and assessed within a
vulnerability-stress-reaction model. Superordinate factors such as age, gender
or education level can increase vulnerability to stress. Therefore, diagnosis
and therapy of chronic tinnitus be individualised, multidimensional and
interdisciplinary. Multimodal psychosomatic therapy approaches aim to address
individually constellated medical, audiological and psychological influences in
order to sustainably increase the quality of life of those affected. Counselling
in the first contact is also indispensable for diagnosis and therapy.
Key words
Tinnitus - comorbidity - depression - anxiety - pain - cognition
