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There have been several studies that have demonstrated a link between the hearing loss of subjects and tinnitus. However, there has been no systematic evaluation of the link between perceived tinnitus distress and an underlying hearing loss. The purpose of the current study is to explore this association, and ascertain whether a subject's hearing loss contributes to the handicap caused by tinnitus. A group of 96 adults were evaluated with Pure Tone Audiometry and a questionnaire that included the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI). In 58% of the subjects, the side of the unilateral or worse tinnitus corresponded with the ear with poorer hearing thresholds. A subset of the THI, the Two Question Mean (TQM) that was related to questions with regard to communication, correlated significantly with the hearing thresholds in the better hearing ear ( P < 0.01). There was also a significant correlation between the THI and TQM scores ( P < 0.01). These results suggested that in tinnitus subjects with impaired hearing, the underlying hearing loss may be a significant factor in the perceived distress.

Aims (1) To identify the yield of aetiological medical investigations in neonates confirmed to have permanent unilateral hearing loss (UHL) following detection by the newborn hearing screening, (2) To identify the association between aetiological medical investigations, risk factors for deafness, audiological profile and stability of hearing loss. Method This was a 14-year retrospective case-note study of 59 newborns with permanent UHL confirmed by Auditory Brainstem Response test performed at a tertiary Paediatric Audiovestibular Medicine Department following referral by newborn hearing screening. The associations between the aetiological medical investigations, risk factors for deafness and audiological profile were analysed using χ 2 statistics. Results High yields were obtained with MRI of internal auditory meati and with CT of the petrous temporal bones (75% and 80%, respectively). Investigation of congenital Cytomegalovirus infection gave a yield of 22%. Significant associations were found between the presence of physical examination signs and a positive CT finding (p=0.005) and the type of UHL (p=0.004). Degree of UHL had a strong association with a positive MRI result (p Conclusion We recommend prioritising imaging studies (MRI and/or CT) and investigation of congenital Cytomegalovirus infection in newborns confirmed with UHL. The results highlight the importance of a comprehensive physical examination as it will guide the medical investigation protocol, especially imaging studies. Those newborns confirmed with congenital Cytomegalovirus infection will benefit from longitudinal follow-up to detect progression of hearing loss. Future research with a larger sample is required for further recommendations.