About the report

The team at Ótologie treats tinnitus patients every day, and we recognise that this is an underserved and frequently overlooked patient population, despite tinnitus affecting an estimated 10-15% of the global population.

With that in mind, we carried out an analysis of tinnitus patient data from 2021-2022 and have compiled this report highlighting the combined experiences of people with tinnitus.

Despite its prevalence a cure remains elusive. However, treatment options exist which can help to reduce symptoms so individuals can manage their condition.

Full details of the data and methods used are listed in the report.

Demographics

The majority of patients fell into the 40-49, 50-59, and 60-69 age groups. More than 6% of patients who presented to the service were in the 18-29 age bracket and the 30-39 group accounted for 12.3% of patients. These figures tally with the prevalence of tinnitus in people as they age but also show that this condition is a common problem in younger people as they enter their thirties.

Treatments tried

According to another survey of people living with tinnitus living in the UK, carried out in 2021ⁱⁱ, the most common treatments people used for tinnitus are sound therapy (41.7%), followed by drugs or cortisone, hearing aids or cochlear implants, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which remains a recognised clinical standard of care for tinnitus. 10% tried other treatments such as holistic therapies or wax removal.

Despite previously visiting healthcare professionals about their tinnitus, many people continue to seek treatment

Both hearing loss and problems with
sleeping affect more than half of our
tinnitus patients

Men are more likely to seek treatment for bothersome tinnitus, despite some research suggesting the condition affects more women globally