Investigation of applicability of internet-based approach to subjective tinnitus

It is aimed to investigate the appropriateness of the use of internet-based software in adults with subjective tinnitus complaints. Patients between the ages of 20 and 60 who applied to the clinic with the complaint of subjective tinnitus, Patient İnformation Form, Tinnitus Handicap Index (THI), Numeric Analog Scale (NAS) to determine the severity, duration and discomfort of tinnitus, Quality of Life Short Form (SF36), Mini Mental Test (MMT) and Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) were applied; Parameter measurements related to hearing (pure sound and high frequency audiometry) and tinnitus were performed traditionally in the clinic and some of them via telephone applications. After the evaluations, 54 participants who were determined to be suitable for the inclusion criteria were divided into two groups to receive the "1st Level Tinnitus Information service" face-to-face and online, with similar age, hearing status, and tinnitus degrees. A visual material was designed within the scope of the study in order to establish a standard in the provision of face-to-face/online Information service. After the briefing with this material, scales were used to determine the current status and service satisfaction levels of the participants regarding tinnitus. There was no significant difference between the groups that received the information with 2 different methods in terms of THI, NAS and information satisfaction scores (p>.05). A significant difference was found in the scores obtained before and after counseling in terms of THI and NAS (intensity/duration/discomfort degree) in both groups (p<.05). The results of the study, a strong negative correlation was found between the duration of tinnitus exposure and the change in THI score after the information, and a moderate negative correlation with the change in NAS. In addition, it can be stated that there is a similar -even stronger-negative relationship between the number of centers consulted for tinnitus and the informational benefit revealed by the THI and NAS scores after the information.