Introduction: Tinnitus is a symptom that affects about 10 to 15% of people worldwide. According to previous research, different anxiety disorders, which have been on the rise since the Covid-19 pandemic, are likely to cause primary tinnitus.  

Aim: The aim of this study was to see if higher levels of anxiety were associated with higher tinnitus intensity, as well as how tinnitus affects the daily lives and medical interactions of those who suffer from it.

Materials and methods: To achieve the aim of the study we designed a threepart anonymous online questionnaire using validated Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale tomeasure anxiety levels of respondents. Only respondents with likely clinically relevant anxiety levels were assessed further. The data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel and R Commander software, p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: 80 out of 153 respondents had likely clinically relevant anxiety levels. Mean age of respondents was 35,2±11,3 years, 41% of the respondents were men and 59% women.  43% of respondents reported their first experience of tinnitus being during the Covid-19 pandemic. More than half (54%) of the respondents answered that they experience tinnitus in their head. Stress, according to 68% of respondents, was associated with exacerbation of tinnitus. Annoyance caused by tinnitus was statistically significantly (p = 0.041) more common in anxious people. Fear that tinnitus would always remain (p = 0.0023), deterioration in emotional state (p = 0.039), and decrease in sleep quality (p = 0.014) were all statistically significantly related with the need of physician’s consultation in respondents with a clinical suspicion of anxiety. Only 33% of respondents with clinically likely relevant anxiety levels made a doctor appointment for their tinnitus and only one respondent reported that they received an explanation for tinnitus and was referred to specialist. All respondents who went to a physician reported, that they would have liked a referral to the psychiatrist or a psychologist.

Conclusions: Stress is a significant factor affecting tinnitus severity among anxious individuals. Seeing a physician for tinnitus is statistically significantly associated with a worsening of emotional state, a deterioration in sleep quality, and a fear that tinnitus will always remain. Our study uncovered an evident shortage of psychological support for people who suffer from tinnitus.