A qualitative study of perspectives toward lifestyle education and supports for people with tinnitus

Purpose: Tinnitus affects 10-15% of the population globally. Lifestyle factors such as dietary intake have been found to be associated with tinnitus. This qualitative study explored the perspectives and needs of individuals with tinnitus in receiving lifestyle education and support. Materials and Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants (n=22), audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis method.

Results: Three key themes were identified: barriers to receiving lifestyle- or tinnitus-related information, facilitators to engaging with lifestyle- and tinnitus-related information and resources, and the value of learned and shared experiences. Preliminary insights show a gap between the existing information available on tinnitus, and the varied preferences and needs of people with tinnitus. Participants expressed that they were not interested in general diet- or lifestyle-related information, rather, they preferred to receive specific information for tinnitus relief. Various formats explored included short videos, a centralised document, website or mobile application, and an opportunity to speak with tinnitus specialists or hear from others with lived experience of tinnitus.

Conclusions: Further directions from this study include the co-design of a pilot tinnitus lifestyle education programme in Australia based on preliminary findings, and an evaluation of existing lifestyle intervention programs for participants.