Investigation of the applicability of internet-based approach to subjective tinnitus

Abstract

Background

To ensure that subjective tinnitus patients develop positive attitudes toward tele-audiology.

Aims/objectives

This study investigates the appropriateness of the internet-based software in patients with subjective tinnitus.

Material and methods

Patients between the ages of 19 and 59 applying to the clinic with the subjective tinnitus filled in Tinnitus Handicap Index (THI) and Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS). Visual Numeric Scale (VNS) was applied to the patients to complaint of tinnitus. Parameter measurements related to hearing and tinnitus were performed clinically. After the evaluations, 54 participants were divided into two groups to receive the ‘Basic Information Material Service’ (BIMS) face-to-face and online. Afterwards, THI and VNS were used to determine the current status.

Results

There was no significant difference between the groups that received BIMS with 2 different methods (p > .05). A significant difference was found in the scores before and after BIMS in terms of THI and VNS (p < .05). A strong negative correlation was found between the duration of tinnitus and the change in THI. In addition, there is a stronger-negative relationship between the number of centers consulted and the informational benefit revealed by the scales.

Conclusions and significance

Online intervention is as effective as face-to-face interaction in the management of tinnitus.

Chinese Abstract

背景

确保主观耳鸣患者形成对远程听力学的正面态度。

目的

调查基于互联网的软件对主观耳鸣患者的适用性。

材料和方法

年龄在 19 岁至 59 岁之间的主观耳鸣患者, 填写耳鸣障碍指数量表(THI)和冠状病毒焦虑量表(CAS)。 视觉数字量表(VNS)用于有耳鸣主诉的患者。临床上进行了与听力和耳鸣有关的参数测量。 评估结束后, 54名参与者分为两组, 分别以面对面和网上的方式接受“基础信息资料服务”(BIMS)。随后, 使用 THI 和 VNS 来确定当前状态。

结果

接受 2 种不同的 BIMS 服务方式的组之间没有显著差异 (p > .05)。至于THI 和 VNS, BIMS前后评分有显著差异(p < .05)。 耳鸣持续时间与THI 的变化之间存在很强的负相关关系。 此外, 所咨询的中心数量与量表所揭示的信息效益之间存在较强的负相关关系。

结论与意义

对于耳鸣的管理, 在线干预与面对面互动的有效性是一样的。

Keywords:

• COVID-19
• Tinnitus
• tele-audiology

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Gazi University Academic Writing Application and Research Center for proofreading the article.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).