Table 2.
Patients’ characteristics at baseline.
| Characteristic | Total (n = 43) | Immediate-Start Group (n = 20) | Delayed-Start Group (n = 23) | p Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age (years) | 29.02 ± 6.73 (19,45) | 27.95 ± 6.10 (19,43) | 29.96 ± 7.23 (19,45) | 0.335 |
| Sex | 0.820 | |||
| Male | 25 (64.1%) | 12 (60%) | 13 (56.5%) | |
| Female | 18 (35.9%) | 8 (40%) | 10 (43.5%) | |
| Duration of tinnitus (months) | 7.10 ± 2.08 (4,10) | 7.05 ± 2.13 (4,11) | 7.18 ± 1.96 (4,10) | 0.168 |
| The side of tinnitus | 0.126 | |||
| Both ears | 6 (14.0%) | 4 (20%) | 2 (8.7%) | |
| Left ear | 13 (30.2%) | 4 (20%) | 9 (39.1%) | |
| Right ear | 24 (55.8%) | 12 (60%) | 12 (52.2%) | |
| Tinnitus pitch | 0.759 | |||
| High pitch | 38 (88.4%) | 18 (90%) | 20 (87.0%) | |
| Low pitch | 5 (11.6%) | 2 (10%) | 3 (13.0%) | |
| PTA (dB HL) | 20.35 ± 4.52 (8,25) | 20.55 ± 3.46 (13,25) | 20.17 ± 5.36 (8,25) | 0.789 |
| VAS (scores) | 3.95 ± 1.93 (1,9) | 3.65 ± 1.90 (2,9) | 4.22 ± 1.95 (1,8) | 0.342 |
| THI (scores) | 40.93 ± 16.70 (14,80) | 39.60 ± 17.94 (14,74) | 42.09 ± 16.25 (14,80) | 0.636 |
| NPRS (scores) | 3.84 ± 2.00 (1,8) | 3.50 ± 1.91 (1,8) | 4.13 ± 2.07 (1,8) | 0.308 |
| HCFA (scores) | 19.42 ± 8.18 (10,40) | 17.75 ± 8.50 (10,40) | 20.87 ± 7.78 (10,35) | 0.216 |
For numeric variables, measures are shown as mean ± SD followed by ranges in square brackets. PTA: pure tone average; VAS: Visual Analogue Scale; THI: Tinnitus Handicap Inventory; NPRS: Numerical Pain Rating Scale; HCFA: History and Characteristic Functional Activity Scale.