Which characteristic has been linked to higher cases of tinnitus?

Increased age has been linked to higher cases of tinnitus based on significant research into the condition. As people age, the sensory cells in the cochlea of the inner ear can deteriorate, leading to various auditory issues, including tinnitus. The prevalence of tinnitus tends to rise in older adults due to this natural degeneration of the auditory system. Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, often accompanies tinnitus, making it a common issue among the elderly population.

The other options, while they may have some connections to health outcomes, do not show a robust correlation with increased tinnitus cases. For instance, female gender is not a strong predictor of tinnitus compared to age, and high educational level or regular physical activity has not been definitively linked to higher case rates of tinnitus. Instead, they may have other health implications but do not appear to directly influence the likelihood of experiencing tinnitus as significantly as advanced age does.