149 Audiological and psychosocial profile of Puerto Rican adults suffering from tinnitus

Objectives/Goals: The objective is to study the association of subjective tinnitus, hearing status, clinical symptoms and the psychosocial effects on Puerto Rican adults with the condition. A specific aim is to describe auditory status, tinnitus characteristics and subject’s performance on the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI). Methods/Study Population: This is a Transversal Descriptive pilot study, where 30 clinical records of adult Puerto Rican subjects diagnosed with Tinnitus on the Intramural Audiology Clinic of the Medical Sciences Campus, located at the University of Puerto Rico, during 2022 to 2024 were analyzed to establish a profile. Subjects between 21 and 64 years old from both genders were studied. This research was conducted after the Office of Research Participant’s Protection-IRB of the Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico gave the approval. Results/Anticipated Results: The study found that Tinnitus can have a significant impact in the individual’s life. The effects were registered mainly in the following areas: •Emotional Area: Subjects reported anxiety associated to experiencing Tinnitus. •Mental Health: Subjects reported being stressed due to their Tinnitus •Cognitive Functioning: Subjects reported difficulties to concentrate, think with clarity o recall information. Also subjects indicated that Tinnitus interferes with their sleep patterns affecting rest and having negative synergic effects resulting in confusion and fatigue. The condition impacts daily living productivity as well as occupational tasks. Eighty-three percent of research participants reported that their Tinnitus interfere with household tasks. Discussion/Significance of Impact: This pilot study adds to the body of evidence that validates the need to address Tinnitus in an integral manner treating its effects in all the physical and mental health dimensions affected by the condition. Also, the results of this study can be used to promote health plans coverage in Puerto Rico for Tinnitus assessment and rehabilitation.