“I can see a path forward now”: a qualitative investigation of online groups for tinnitus in the time of Covid-19

Abstract

Objectives

The Covid-19 pandemic led the British Tinnitus Association to offer more online support to people with tinnitus. The aim of this study was to understand how low-intensity group-based digital interventions could benefit people with tinnitus.

Design

Semi-structured interviews explored participants’ experiences and views on receiving support via an online group.

Study sample

Sixteen people with tinnitus who had attended a recent online tinnitus group and/or workshop were recruited using convenience sampling

Results

Three overarching themes were extrapolated from the data: feeling part of a community, being reliably informed, and living better with tinnitus.

Conclusions

Participants reported significant benefits from both types of online group. There was appreciation for the accessibility of help during lockdown, and participants felt that this type of support would continue to be valuable post-pandemic. As seen in research on face-to-face groups, benefits came from a supportive community of people with tinnitus and knowledgeable, skilled and trustworthy facilitation and information provision. Outcomes focussed on feeling less isolated, more informed and hopeful. Online groups could offer an accessible ongoing resource supporting people on their journey with tinnitus.

Keywords:

• Tinnitus
• digital
• support groups
• online
• information groups
• patient education

Acknowledgements

We thank our participants for the time they gave to take part in the interviews, and we thank Francesca Rothera and Arabella Freeman for contributing to data collection, collation and analysis.

Ethical approval

Ethical approval was granted by the Psychology Research Ethics Committee, University of Bath (ref: 20-118).

Consent form

All participants were provided with a participation information sheet and completed an electronic consent form prior to interview

Disclosure statement

The authors have no conflict of interest. The second author (LH) is a trustee of the BTA, and received payment for the delivery of the digital workshops.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available in anonymised form from the corresponding author upon request.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

Funding for this study was provided by the BTA.