Association Between Tinnitus and Suicidal Ideation in Postmenopausal Women: An Observational Study

Objective: Tinnitus has been linked to mental health concerns, including suicidal ideation. This study, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), investigates the association between tinnitus and suicidal ideation in postmenopausal women, aiming to identify tinnitus as a potential risk factor for suicidal thoughts in this population. Method: A total of 1,792 postmenopausal women were included after excluding males, premenopausal women, and participants with missing data on tinnitus, suicidal ideation, or key covariates. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship between tinnitus and suicidal ideation, with adjustments for relevant confounders. Data were drawn from the NHANES database, specifically from the 2011 to 2012, 2015 to 2016, and 2017 to 2018 survey cycles. Results: Of the 1,792 postmenopausal women, 4.41% reported suicidal ideation. Tinnitus prevalence was significantly higher in women with suicidal ideation (P = 0.007). Weighted multivariable logistic regression revealed that women with tinnitus had 2.43 times higher odds of reporting suicidal ideation compared to those without tinnitus (OR: 2.43, 95% CI: 1.07 -5.52, P = 0.035). Conclusion: Tinnitus appears to be a significant factor associated with suicidal ideation in postmenopausal women. These findings underscore the importance of considering tinnitus in mental health assessments, especially among individuals at risk for suicidal thoughts. (Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2025; 33:405-412)