Tinnitus en pacientes con hipoacusia en el Centro Auditivo Integral Cuenca y Azogues 2025-2026

Abstract

Introduction: Tinnitus is a perception of sound without an audible external source and is often associated with hearing loss. Scientific evidence reports that more than 740 million people experience tinnitus. This raises the question: What is the prevalence of tinnitus in patients with hearing loss treated at the Comprehensive Hearing Center (CAI) in Cuenca and Azogues, 2025-2026? Objectives: To determine the prevalence of tinnitus in patients over 45 years of age attending the CAI. To characterize the population according to age and sex; to classify the audiometry results and establish their prevalence according to type, degree, and extent. Methodology: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted. Universe: Consisting of 300 patients aged 45 years and older diagnosed with hearing loss. A total of 169 patients aged 45 years and older with hearing loss were identified and analyzed in the CAI database. Results: The prevalence of tinnitus was reported at 62.1% of the total. Sensorineural hearing loss was the most frequent (46.7%), with a predominance of moderate degree in both ears (33.7%). Bilateral sensorineural, conductive, and mixed hearing loss occurred in 59.8% of cases. Thirty-two-point five percent of men reported tinnitus, with those aged 56-66 and 78-88 being the most affected. Conclusion: The study identified tinnitus in patients with hearing loss aged 45 or older treated at the CAI, with a prevalence of 62.1% during 2025-2026.