Mixed feelings about living with tinnitus: A qualitative study

Abstract

The aim of this qualitative study was to interview a group of tinnitus patients (n = 7) who were or had been involved in psychological treatment for their tinnitus. Following semi-structured interviews all conversations were transcribed and later categorized using methods inspired by grounded theory. Results revealed a higher order concept labelled ‘Mixed feelings about living with tinnitus’. Three descriptive categories were derived: 1) Consequences; 2) Treatment experiences; and 3) Tinnitus identity. Results are discussed in relation to the literature on tinnitus, and the future application of qualitative methods in tinnitus research is encouraged.