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Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted delivery of healthcare, economic activity, and affected social interactions. Identifying and supporting those most affected by the pandemic is required. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of the pandemic on individuals with tinnitus and to identify mediating factors. Methods: This is a mixed-methods exploratory cross-sectional study, using data collected via an online survey from 3,103 individuals with tinnitus from 48 countries. The greatest representation was from North America (49%) and Europe (47%) and other countries were only marginally represented. Results: Although the study was aimed at those with pre-existing tinnitus, 7 individuals reported having COVID-19 initiated tinnitus. Having COVID-19 symptoms exacerbated tinnitus in 40% of respondents, made no change in 54%, and improved tinnitus in 6%. Other mediating factors such as the social and emotional consequences of the pandemic made pre-existing tinnitus more bothersome for 32% of the respondents, particularly for females and younger adults, better for 1%, and caused no change to tinnitus for 67%. Pre-existing tinnitus was significantly exacerbated for those self-isolating, experiencing loneliness, sleeping poorly, and with reduced levels of exercise. Increased depression, anxiety, irritability, and financial worries further significantly contributed to tinnitus being more bothersome during the pandemic period. Conclusions: These findings have implications for tinnitus management, because they highlight the diverse response both internal and external factors have on tinnitus levels. Clinical services should be mindful that tinnitus may be caused by contracting COVID-19 and pre-existing tinnitus may be exacerbated, although in the majority of respondents there was no change. Additional support should be offered where tinnitus severity has increased due to the health, social, and/or emotional effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tinnitus may be more bothersome for those experiencing loneliness, having fewer social interactions, and who are more anxious or worried., (Copyright © 2020 Beukes, Baguley, Jacquemin, Lourenco, Allen, Onozuka, Stockdale, Kaldo, Andersson and Manchaiah.)

Objective: Whilst there are several published studies of the prevalence of troublesome tinnitus in childhood and adolescence (indicating that up to a sixth may experience bothersome tinnitus), there is sparse information regarding incidence., Methods: In this study a retrospective case review of patients aged under 18 with a primary complaint of tinnitus seen in 2009 was undertaken in four European clinics known to accept such referrals., Results: A total of 88 young persons with a primary complaint of tinnitus were seen in 2009 by these services, and this represents 3.8% of the paediatric clinical workload of these services and 0.3% of the total clinical workload in that year. The overwhelming majority (93%) of cases were aged 10 years or over at presentation. In only 16 cases (18%) was the tinnitus classified as severe by the reviewing clinician. Tinnitus was accompanied by hyperacusis in 34 cases (39%)., Conclusions: Whilst tinnitus in childhood or adolescence can be severe, this is rarely seen in the clinic. Epidemiological data for childhood tinnitus reported previously should be interpreted with caution, as it is dissonant with the data presented in the current study. This may represent an unmet need in the population, but it may also be the case that the incidence of tinnitus in childhood and adolescence is low., (Crown Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)