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Positive experiences related to living with tinnitus: A cross-sectional survey

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posted on 2023-08-30, 14:56 authored by Eldré W. Beukes, Vinaya Manchaiah, Taylor Valien, David M. Baguley, Peter M. Allen, Gerhard Andersson
Objective: The aim of this study was to gain insights related to positive experiences reported by adults with tinnitus living in the UK. Design: A cross-sectional survey design was used in a sample of adults with tinnitus who were interested in undertaking an Internet-based intervention for tinnitus. Setting: The study was UK wide and data collection was online. Participants: Participants consisted of 240 adults (137 males, 103 females), with an average age of 48.16 years and average tinnitus duration of 11.52 years (SD: 11.88). Main outcome measures: Tinnitus severity was measured by means of the Tinnitus Functional Index. To evaluate the secondary effects of tinnitus, the Insomnia Severity Index, the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults-Screening Version and the Cognitive Failures Questionnaires were administered. Positive experiences related to tinnitus were explored using an open-ended question format. Results: Around a third of participants (32.5%) reported positive experiences associated with tinnitus. The number of positive responses ranged from one to eight responses per participant, although there were fewer participants with more than one positive response. The predominant themes concerned: (1) coping; (2) personal development; (3) support, and to a lesser extent (4) outlook. Younger participants, those with a lower hearing disability and those with fewer cognitive failures were more likely to report positive experiences associated with having tinnitus. Conclusions: This study has identified that personal development and a positive outlook is possible despite experiencing tinnitus. Ways to facilitate positive experiences related to tinnitus should be promoted, as this may reduce the negative consequences associated with tinnitus. The most prevalent positive theme was the ability to cope with tinnitus. Positive experiences were also drawn from having clinical and other support networks. This highlights the importance of providing tinnitus interventions that can assist people in coping with tinnitus. This may be particularly important to those less likely to relate tinnitus to any positive experiences. This may include those who are older with greater cognitive difficulties and more hearing disability.

History

Refereed

  • Yes

Volume

43

Issue number

2

Page range

489-495

Publication title

Clinical Otolaryngology

ISSN

1749-4486

Publisher

Wiley

File version

  • Accepted version

Language

  • eng

Legacy posted date

2017-10-13

Legacy creation date

2017-10-07

Legacy Faculty/School/Department

ARCHIVED Faculty of Science & Technology (until September 2018)

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