INTRODUCTION: Tinnitus is a perception of sound without external stimuli, often manifesting as various irritable sounds like roaring, hissing, and clicking, differing in pitch and volume, and may be continuous or intermittent. This condition frequently causes psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, insomnia, and irritability. This cross-sectional study, conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Western Uttar Pradesh, India, involved 101 adults with tinnitus complaints. The aim was to assess psychological disorder prevalence and explore relationships between tinnitus severity, gender, age, hearing status, and psychological impact. METHODOLOGY: The study included 101 adult participants with tinnitus, using data to measure psychological distress through tools such as the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and the Hamilton Anxiety (HAM-A) and Depression (HAM-D) Scales. Demographic data, including gender, age, and hearing status, were recorded to analyze the correlation between tinnitus severity and psychological impact. RESULTS: Findings showed 80.1% of participants met psychological disorder criteria, with 73.3% experiencing anxiety, 46.5% depression, and 62.3% insomnia. Gender differences were noted: males had a higher tinnitus prevalence (53.5%), but females reported greater psychological distress (91.5% vs. 70.4% in males). THI scores were strongly correlated with HAM-A and HAM-D scores, showing psychological factors as significant contributors to distress. Tinnitus severity decreased with age, but anxiety and depression persisted, suggesting the psychological impact remains as patients habituate. Additionally, 40.6% of participants had hearing loss alongside tinnitus, though no significant correlation was found between hearing loss severity and tinnitus distress. Other ear complaints, like vertigo and blockage, were less common. DISCUSSION: The findings highlight the need for comprehensive care in India, where limited research exists on tinnitus and its psychological effects. High psychological distress levels call for targeted psychological support, especially early on when patients are most vulnerable. The study underscores the need for further research on the long-term impact of tinnitus on mental health and quality of life, focusing on treatment strategies addressing both auditory and psychological aspects. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a clear link between tinnitus severity and psychological distress, with anxiety, depression, and insomnia common among sufferers. Early psychological intervention is essential to manage distress and improve quality of life. Interdisciplinary approaches involving otolaryngologists, audiologists, and mental health professionals are recommended to enhance treatment outcomes. This research provides valuable insights into the experiences of tinnitus sufferers in India and calls for a more comprehensive, interdisciplinary treatment approach.

Tinnitus, Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia, Psychological distress