Tinnitus Evaluation in Patients with Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO)

Aim: Patent foramen ovale is a common congenital heart disease in adulthood. Due to right-to-left shunts and paradoxical emboli in its pathophysiology, it causes clinical conditions related to many systems, especially the brain. Tinnitus is a common symptom of the hearing and balance system. In our study, which we planned as a survey study, we aimed to investigate the frequency of tinnitus in PFO patients and to shed light on the studies to be done on this subject. Method: Thirty individuals aged 18-60 years who were diagnosed with definitive isolated PFO in our cardiology outpatient clinic were included in the study after they were informed and filled in the Informed Consent Form. Thirty healthy individuals were included in the control group. Tinnitus grade index and tinnitus handicap questionnaire (tinnitus disability questionnaire) were applied to the participants in our Ear Nose and Throat clinic for the evaluation of tinnitus. The analysis of the data obtained in the study was performed with SPSS 24.0. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age and gender. Tinnitus handicap index and tinnitus degree index data were found to be statistically significantly higher in the PFO group compared to the control group. Conclusion: The data obtained in our study show that there may be a relationship between PFO and tinnitus. It supported that PFO could be assumed among the potential causes of tinnitus.