Evaluation and revision of a Tinnitus Brochure

ABSTRACT

The aims of this study were to: (1) evaluate a tinnitus brochure to establish its readability and suitability for providing information to adults who experience tinnitus and (2) revise the brochure to improve readability, suitability, comprehension, and self-efficacy. These aims were accomplished with two experiments. In experiment 1, the original brochure was evaluated using readability formulas, the Suitability Assessment of Material (SAM), and learner verification with a group of seven adults who experience tinnitus. The brochure was then revised based on the results of experiment 1. In experiment 2, a second group of 24 participants were randomly assigned to read the original or revised brochure. The group assigned to the revised brochure showed significantly better comprehension and higher self-efficacy for managing tinnitus. It is important to provide patients with information that is easily understood, has clear purpose, and offers low-cost strategies such as patient-centered education. Clinicians can assess materials they provide to patients and engage in revision following best-practice guidelines for improving readability and suitability.

KEYWORDS:

• Tinnitus
• health education
• hearing impairment

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.