Association between hypertension status and severity and tinnitus: a cross-sectional analysis of the Fasa adult cohort study

Background Previous studies and meta-analyses suggest an association between hypertension and tinnitus; however, the influence of hypertension severity and control status remains unclear. Objective We aimed to investigate the association between hypertension and tinnitus in detail using a large, population-based dataset from a rural setting.

Participants We analysed data from 9775 individuals in the general population, aged 35–70 years, excluding those with a history of cancer, pregnancy or medical conditions known to cause tinnitus, such as stroke, seizures or multiple sclerosis. Additionally, although the study design aimed to exclude participants using aminoglycosides because of their significant ototoxic effects, no such users were identified during the study period.

Primary and secondary outcomes Hypertension was defined as a systolic blood pressure (SBP) of ≥140 mm Hg or a diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of ≥90 mm Hg on at least two separate measurements or as current use of antihypertensive medications following a prior diagnosis. These medications included ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, diuretics, aldosterone antagonists and atenolol.