WEDNESDAY, Feb. 17 (HealthDay News) -- Tinnitus (ringing in the
ears) isn't a highly inherited disorder, Norwegian researchers
conclude. While tinnitus has been reported to cluster in
families, little is known about the role that genes play in the
condition. In the new study, researchers analyzed data gathered
from almost 13,000 spouses, more than 27,600 parents and
offspring, and close to 11,500 siblings. A subgroup of more than
28,000 people completed a second questionnaire designed to
collect more information about tinnitus. About 20.9 percent of
the study participants reported definite or probable tinnitus
symptoms. The researchers found no indication that tinnitus is
passed down through families. "Our results do not necessarily
mean that genetic effects are unimportant for all forms of
tinnitus, because this symptom can arise from a wide variety of
underlying diseases," wrote Dr. Ellen Kvestad, of the Norwegian
Institute of Public Health, Oslo, and Akershus University
Hospital, and colleagues. "Consideri