Abstract

The objective of this study was to review the roles of gender, age and differing perceptions of tinnitus, among male and female Pakistani tinnitus patients. The data consisted of 110 Tinnitus Patients (Male Tinnitus Patients n=70, Female Tinnitus Patients n=40). Purposive sampling technique was used based on cross-sectional design. Data was collected from various hospitals of Pakistan, through complete otorhinolaryngological (ear) examination. Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) was employed to measure perception of tinnitus along with coping strategies used by Pakistani tinnitus patients. The results suggested that overall tinnitus levels do not differ between genders in tinnitus; however males reported more tinnitus complaints and females are more influenced by anxiety than males. Also the severity of tinnitus varies according to the tinnitus sensations experienced. Typically avoidance coping is also used more often by tinnitus patients. Recommendations of the study are that both male and female tinnitus patients can get more benefit by addressing the tinnitus complaints. It would be helpful for health and clinical setting to resolve the psychological and health issues of male and female patients according to the nature of tinnitus severity and sensation.