Is tinnitus becoming increasingly evident in children?

Tinnitus, characterized by the perception of noise without an external source, is increasingly recognized as a significant issue in children. Research indicates a concerning prevalence of this condition among children, highlighting a rising public health concern.

A systematic review indicates that estimates of tinnitus prevalence in children can vary widely, from 4.7% to 46%, depending on the population and assessment methods utilized (Fuchten, 2025; . A study also highlights that as many as 66% of children with documented hearing loss may experience tinnitus (Salvi et al., 2011).

These findings reinforce the understanding that tinnitus is not an uncommon phenomenon in pediatric populations, especially in those with auditory impairments (Shetye & Kennedy, 2010). Research showed that 10.5% of a surveyed group of 9-12-year-olds reported experiencing permanent tinnitus, which is lower than some earlier reports suggesting prevalence rates of about 18% in high school students (Jacquemin et al., 2023).

Tinnitus in children tends to be underreported, as many young individuals may not recognize their experiences as abnormal or bothersome (Levi et al., 2018; . This challenge is exacerbated by inconsistencies in symptom reporting, influenced by a child’s vocabulary and understanding of the condition (Levi et al., 2018; Rosing et al., 2019). Behavioral problems, such as difficulties concentrating, sleep disturbances, and social challenges, have been associated with tinnitus in affected children (Mahboubi et al., 2013; Coelho, 2011).

Thus, a holistic approach is required that encompasses not only auditory symptoms but also the psychological implications accompanying tinnitus in childhood.

Moreover, tinnitus can manifest due to various auditory and non-auditory triggers, including exposure to loud music, jaw misalignments, and even neck tension (Olsson et al., 2022).

Children often describe their tinnitus using metaphorical terms, complicating its recognition and management; common descriptors include "ringing" and "buzzing" (Levi et al., 2018; Rosing et al., 2016). Many parents remain unaware of their children’s auditory complaints, contributing to significant underreporting and a lack of recognition of the condition's severity (Knobel & Lima, 2012; Smith et al., 2020).

Given that research on pediatric tinnitus is relatively scarce compared to adult-centered studies, there is an urgent need for increased awareness, improved diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic options tailored for younger patients (Fuchten, 2025; Kim et al., 2012). The integration of validated assessment tools and frameworks for understanding the impact of tinnitus on children’s lives is essential, as current methodologies may not sufficiently capture their unique experiences and needs (Hoare et al., 2024).

In conclusion, raising awareness and acknowledgment of tinnitus in children is crucial for the development of appropriate interventions and support systems.

As prevalence continues to rise, health professionals need to foster environments where children feel comfortable discussing their symptoms. Researchers should conduct further studies that elucidate the complex interplay between tinnitus, psychological health, and social functioning in this vulnerable demographic.

References:

Coelho, C. (2011). Epidemiology of tinnitus in children., 39-45. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-145-5_6

Fuchten, D. (2025). Development of a validated prom set for children with tinnitus using the patient-reported outcomes measurement information system – protocol for the ‘tinnitus in children’ (tinc) study. Plos One, 20(10), pone.0334549.exml. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0334549

Hoare, D., Smith, H., Kennedy, V., & Fackrell, K. (2024). Tinnitus in children. Journal of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology, 25(3), 239-247. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10162-024-00944-3

Jacquemin, L., Poel, N., Biot, L., Schollaert, J., Bonné, F., Vanderveken, O., … & Gilles, A. (2023). Prevalence of tinnitus and hyperacusis in 9–12-year-old children. European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, 280(11), 4819-4825. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-023-07995-x

Kim, Y., Jung, H., Kang, S., Park, K., Choi, J., Oh, S., … & Chang, S. (2012). Tinnitus in children: association with stress and trait anxiety. The Laryngoscope, 122(10), 2279-2284. https://doi.org/10.1002/lary.23482

Knobel, K. and Lima, M. (2012). Are parents aware of their children's hearing complaints?. Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, 78(5), 27-37. https://doi.org/10.5935/1808-8694.20120005

Levi, J., Basa, K., Wong, K., Morlet, T., & O’Reilly, R. (2018). Cofactors of pediatric tinnitus: a look at the whole picture. Clinical Pediatrics, 58(3), 320-327. https://doi.org/10.1177/0009922818816426

Mahboubi, H., Oliaei, S., Kiumehr, S., Dwabe, S., & Djalilian, H. (2013). The prevalence and characteristics of tinnitus in the youth population of the united states. The Laryngoscope, 123(8), 2001-2008. https://doi.org/10.1002/lary.24015

Olsson, S., Ulualp, S., & Kou, Y. (2022). Tinnitus triggered by a cerebellopontine arachnoid cyst in an adolescent. American Journal of Case Reports, 23. https://doi.org/10.12659/ajcr.938294

Rosing, S., Schmidt, J., Wedderkopp, N., & Baguley, D. (2016). Prevalence of tinnitus and hyperacusis in children and adolescents: a systematic review. BMJ Open, 6(6), e010596. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2015-010596

Rosing, S., Schmidt, J., Wedderkopp, N., & Baguley, D. (2019). A cross-sectional study of the prevalence and factors associated with tinnitus and/or hyperacusis in children. Ear and Hearing, 41(2), 344-355. https://doi.org/10.1097/aud.0000000000000759

Salvi, R., Langguth, B., Kraus, S., Landgrebe, M., Allman, B., Ding, D., … & Lobariñas, E. (2011). Tinnitus and hearing loss and changes in hippocampus. Seminars in Hearing, 32(02), 203-211. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0031-1277243

Shetye, A. and Kennedy, V. (2010). Tinnitus in children: an uncommon symptom?. Archives of Disease in Childhood, 95(8), 645-648. https://doi.org/10.1136/adc.2009.168252

Smith, H., Fackrell, K., Kennedy, V., Barry, J., Broomhead, E., & Hoare, D. (2020). An evaluation of paediatric tinnitus services in uk national health service audiology departments. BMC Health Services Research, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-020-5040-y