Evaluation of Current Practice of Online Tinnitus Management Strategies among Audiologists in India: A Questionnaire-Based Study

Abstract

Introduction: Numerous smartphone apps and web-based software choices are available for online tinnitus management. Even though these online management options have been the subject of numerous research, their clinical utility has not yet been established. Aim: The present study aimed to identify the most effective online tinnitus therapy strategy currently offered by audiologists in India. Method: The study was carried out in three distinct phases: questionnaire preparation, validation, and administration. The developed questionnaire had six domains with a total of 37 questions that covered different areas, such as online and offline tinnitus assessment, management and outcome measures, strategies for managing tinnitus-related issues, and challenges, and was taken into account for validation. The final questionnaire which included 37 questions was circulated among more than 400 audiologists. Result: 52 audiologists responded to the questionnaire, out of which 20 audiologists are doing online tinnitus management in India. The findings show that counselling, TRT, hearing aids, or a combination of any of these are the most preferred online tinnitus management options recommended by various audiologists. The majority of audiologists opted white noise and resound tinnitus reduction apps for sound therapy and they identified that patient computer illiteracy and lack of trained clinicians as the pivotal and prime obstacles to implement a structured online tinnitus management program. Conclusion: The findings concluded a consensus opinion that the management of tinnitus through online mode should be tailored, moreover there is little standardized practice on online assessment and management of tinnitus and hence there is a need for a well-explained protocol for implementing online tinnitus intervention program for individuals with tinnitus.