Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy for tinnitus in Spanish: a global feasibility trial

Abstract

Objective

Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (ICBT) for tinnitus is an evidence-based intervention, but only available in a few languages. To increase accessibility, ICBT was translated into Spanish. This study’s objective was to determine the feasibility of ICBT for Spanish speakers.

Design

A single-group pre-test post-test design was used. Compliance, engagement, acceptance and outcome feasibility were measured.

Study Sample

Forty-six Spanish speakers with tinnitus were screened. There were 32 participants meeting the eligibility criteria, with a mean age of 47 (±11) years. Of these 91% were Hispanic or Latino with 66% living in Spain and 34% living in South America.

Results

Outcome feasibility was established, as a large pre- and post-test within-group effect size of d = 0.90 was found for tinnitus severity. Large pre- and post-test effect sizes were also present for the secondary outcomes of anxiety and depression with a medium effect for insomnia, health-related quality of life, and tinnitus cognitions. Intervention engagement and compliance were not optimal although no participants withdrew. Intervention acceptance rates indicated scope for improvement.

Conclusions

ICBT for Spanish communities appears to be feasible. A randomised controlled trial is required to further investigate the effects and identify ways of improving engagement and attracting Spanish speakers from different countries.

Keywords:

• Tinnitus
• internet intervention
• digital therapeutics
• cognitive behavioural therapy
• Spanish
• feasibility

Acknowledgments

The authors thank webmasters George Vlaescu and Shrinivas Varadaraj for their help in installing the intervention platform and for technical assistance provided. The authors thanks are extended to all the participants who partook in this study and to the organizations that helped with recruitment. The authors also thank Prof Stacia DeSantis for statistical assistance. Finally, The authors also thank American Tinnitus Association (ATA) for help with recruitment of study participants.

Disclosure statement

There are no relevant conflicts of interest.

Data deposition

The data that support the findings of this study are openly available in Figshare at http://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.13718896.

Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy interventions (ICBT) can greatly help those with troublesome tinnitus but is only available in a few languages. This is the first trial describing the feasibility of ICBT for Spanish communities.

Novelty

Provision of accessible, evidence-based interventions can improve outcomes for patients with troublesome tinnitus. Accessibility of such interventions has greatly improved through the development of Internet based cognitive behavioural therapy interventions (ICBT) for tinnitus. ICBT is available in only a few languages and needs to be translated and adapted to be accessible to more globally communities. With this in mind, ICBT was translated and adapted for Spanish speakers. The feasibility of offering ICBT to Spanish communities has, however, not been established. This is the first study to evaluate the feasibility of ICBT in Spanish communities.

Twitter

Internet based cognitive behavioural therapy interventions (ICBT) can greatly help those with troublesome tinnitus, but is only available in a few languages. This is the first trial describing the feasibility of ICBT for Spanish communities.

Additional information

Funding

This study was partly supported by the National Institute on Deafness and Communication Disorders (NIDCD) of the National Institute of Health (NIH) under the award number R21DC017214.