Objectives: This study aimed to analyse the potential influence of abnormalities detected
through carotid–vertebral ultrasonography and brain MRI on pure-tone averages (PTAs)
and the frequency and intensity of tinnitus. Methods: 423 participants with subjective
tinnitus were enrolled in this investigation. All patients underwent carotid– vertebral
ultrasonography, brain MRI, and pure-tone audiometry, including tinnitus matching.
Results: The median values for tinnitus onset indicated chronic tinnitus in most cases.
Regarding tinnitus location, left-sided symptoms (32%) and bilateral symptoms (44%)
were the most prevalent. In analysing the effects of abnormalities detected by carotid–vertebral
ultrasonography on PTAs, a statistically significant difference was found between
the groups (p = 0.0037). Specifically, individuals with intimal hyperplasia had significantly
higher PTAs (p = 0.02), as did those with carotid artery plaques (p = 0.005). However,
no significant differences in PTAs were noted in relation to carotid artery stenosis
(p = 0.07). Similar trends emerged regarding tinnitus intensity (p = 0.013), with
significantly higher values observed in the presence of any carotid–vertebral ultrasonography
abnormalities. In contrast, tinnitus frequencies were not significantly affected (p
= 0.401). Regarding brain MRI findings, Fazekas scores of 2 (p = 0.02) and 3 (p =
0.0052) significantly influenced PTAs. For tinnitus intensity, Fazekas scores of 2
(p = 0.0027) and 3 (p = 0.0005), and the presence of acoustic neuromas (p = 0.019),
significantly impacted the intensity values. However, tinnitus frequencies were not
significantly (p = 0.36) influenced by brain MRI abnormalities. Conclusions: The findings
of this study show that carotid–vertebral ultrasonography and brain MRI abnormalities
significantly influence PTAs and tinnitus intensities.
