Ego-resiliency and Tinnitus Annoyance

Abstract

Background: Tinnitus is a common and, in many cases, chronic condition. Coping with a chronic ailment is a long-term process, which also depends on the personality of the individual. One important personality resource is ego-resiliency, that is, how flexible the person is in adapting to the impulse to control their environment.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to determine whether ego-resiliency affects the perceived level of tinnitus annoyance.

Research design: This was a questionnaire study combined with a retrospective analysis of medical data.

Study sample: The study involved 176 people with diagnosed chronic tinnitus who volunteered to participate (53 men and 123 women aged 31-80 years).

Data collection and analysis: The following tools were used: Ego-Resiliency Scale to measure ego-resiliency, Tinnitus Functional Index to assess the impact of tinnitus on daily life, and a survey of sociodemographics and tinnitus history.

Results: The conducted research showed that men had higher ego-resiliency than women. Older subjects (older than 60 years) had higher ego-resiliency than younger ones. There was a negative correlation between ego-resiliency and the perceived annoyance of tinnitus. Regression analysis showed that a person's ability to cope and to tolerate negative emotions were the only factors of ego-resiliency that were a significant predictor of tinnitus annoyance.

Conclusion: People with a high level of personal ability to cope and to tolerate negative emotions are likely to experience decreased tinnitus annoyance. Ego-resiliency levels should be considered when diagnosing and planning interventions for people with tinnitus. In psychological intervention programs for people with tinnitus, it is worthwhile developing ego-resiliency, paying particular attention to positive emotions which are crucial in building it. Research should be continued on other personal resources affecting perceived tinnitus annoyance.