Impact of Hearing Aid Amplification on Subjective Tonal Tinnitus in Patients with Gently Sloping and Ski-Slope Hearing Loss: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of hearing aid amplification in reducing self-perceived tinnitus handicap in individuals with ski-slope hearing loss—a population seldom addressed in previous research. In addition, a correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationship between tinnitus duration, pitch, loudness, and THI scores. The results are then compared with those of patients with high-frequency gently sloping hearing loss. Methods: 38 patients with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and chronic tonal tinnitus were retrospectively evaluated and divided into two equal groups: high-frequency gently sloping and ski-slope hearing loss (n = 19 each). Tinnitus pitch, loudness, and edge frequency were assessed. The Mann–Whitney test compared tinnitus characteristics between groups, while the Wilcoxon signed-rank test evaluated pre- and post-treatment THI scores. Spearman correlation was used to explore associations between tinnitus duration, intensity, pitch, and THI outcomes. Results: The Mann–Whitney test showed significant differences in tinnitus pitch, and edge frequency between both groups; no statistically significant differences were found for the tinnitus level. Tinnitus frequency was higher in the high-frequency gently sloping group. The Wilcoxon test confirmed significant improvements in THI scores post-treatment for both groups (p < 0.001). No significant correlations were found between tinnitus duration, level, pitch, and post-treatment THI scores. Conclusions: Hearing aids effectively reduce tinnitus severity in patients with ski-slope and gently sloping hearing loss, supporting their use as a therapeutic option. Larger, multicentric studies are recommended to validate these findings and explore specific auditory profiles and processing strategies.