Tinnitus Trends in Young Adults: Prevalence and Duration from 2008 to 2023

PURPOSE: To assess for longitudinal changes in the prevalence, duration, and self-perceived impact of persistent tinnitus amongst young adults (ages 18-24) in the United States. METHODS: The adult National Health Interview Surveys (NHIS) for calendar years 2008 and 2023 were investigated for specific tinnitus related symptoms among young adults (ages 18-24). The prevalence of tinnitus in the past 12 months and the overall duration of tinnitus symptoms were determined and compared between the 2 survey years. RESULTS: < .001). CONCLUSION: Nationally representative data indicate a concerning increasing prevalence and duration of tinnitus among young adults with a significant self-perceived impact. This increasing prevalence of tinnitus may reflect underlying issues of noise exposure and merits further ongoing surveillance. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.