Anthropometric indices among patients with tinnitus at the Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery outpatient clinic of RSUP Prof. Dr. I G. N. G. Ngoerah

Abstract

Background: Tinnitus is a common otologic symptom that may significantly impair quality of life. In addition to auditory pathology, systemic and metabolic factors have been proposed to contribute to tinnitus. Anthropometric indices such as body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference are widely used markers of nutritional and metabolic status; however, their relationship with tinnitus remains controversial. Purpose: This study aimed to describe the anthropometric characteristics of patients with tinnitus attending a tertiary referral hospital. Method: This was a retrospective descriptive study using secondary data from medical records of tinnitus patients treated at the Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery outpatient clinic of RSUP Prof. Dr. I G. N. G. Ngoerah, Denpasar, between 2019 and 2022. Results: A total of 96 patients were included. Most patients were male (54.2%) with a mean age of 45 years. The most common tinnitus perception was high-pitched ringing. More than half of the patients experienced tinnitus for 6 months to 5 years. Among male patients, obesity class I was the most frequent BMI category, and 59.1% had central obesity based on waist circumference. Conclusion: Overweight, obesity, and central obesity were common among patients with tinnitus in this study. Anthropometric assessment may be considered as part of a comprehensive evaluation of tinnitus, particularly in patients with metabolic risk factors.