Investigation of Tinnitus Counseling Requirements and Derivation of Counseling Topics through Focus Group Interviews with Tinnitus Patients

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigated the understanding of tinnitus, counseling requirements, and reduced quality of life of tinnitus patients to derive topics and collect data that can be used to counsel these patients. Methods: Out of 79 tinnitus patients recruited to complete the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory questionnaire, 74 who met the score criteria were selected for evaluation. These patients were separated into groups according to the degree of tinnitus (mild, moderate, severe, or catastrophic) and their scores. Each group of patients participated in a focus group interview consisting of three to six individuals with the same degree of tinnitus. The interview consisted of three questions to obtain basic data regarding tinnitus counseling and five questions to identify experiences related to the decreasing quality of life attributable to tinnitus. Results: A total of 68 main themes were identified through the focus group interviews. The main themes with the highest frequencies for each question were as follows: of the 827 responses, 151 (18.3%) were treatments and relief methods; 126 (15.2%), information each participant want to know; 121 (14.6%), information each participant already know and emotional difficulties, respectively; 97 (11.7%), concentration difficulties; 91 (11.0%), hearing difficulties; 90 (10.9%), sleeping difficulties; and 30 (3.6%), other difficulties. Conclusion: This study collected information regarding tinnitus patients' understanding of their condition, their counseling requirements, and the difficulties they experience because of tinnitus. Therefore, it provides specific guidelines for counseling topics that hearing professionals can refer to when providing information about tinnitus and providing counseling to address these patients' problems effectively.