Tinnitus in the elderly: causes, diagnosis, and treatment

Tinnitus is a common condition in the elderly population with an average prevalence of 14.4%, and an increase of this symptom with age. Available English-language literature on tinnitus in the elderly was reviewed using the main international databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science). The review included articles until April 2023 and referenced by relevant literature. The eligible studies were summarized in this narrative review. Presbycusis is the main risk factor for tinnitus, that in the elderly population has epidemiological, etiologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic peculiarities that need to be considered. Clinical management of tinnitus in the elderly population has no methodological differences compared to the management of young patients; however, some specific differences should be considered in the elderly to obtain better results in compliance and treatment. This review evaluates and discusses the prevalence, the causes, and the clinical approaches of tinnitus in the elderly, with a specific focus on the peculiarities of this population.