Development and field testing of a smartphone "App" for tinnitus management. (3rd October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Henry, James A.; Thielman, Emily; Zaugg, Tara; Kaelin, Christine; Choma, Christie; Chang, Bill; Hahn, Shira; Fuller, Bret
• Is Part Of: International journal of audiology. Volume 56:Number 10(2017)
• Page Start: 784
• Page End: 792
• Publication Date: 2017-10-03
• Subjects: Instrumentation -- tinnitus -- aging -- assistive technology; Audiology -- Periodicals; Hearing disorders -- Periodicals; Deafness -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Hearing Disorders -- Periodicals; Hearing -- Periodicals; 617.8
• DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2017.1338762
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1499-2027

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: This study's objective was to develop and test a smartphone app that supports learning and using coping skills for managing tinnitus. Design: The app's content was based on coping skills that are taught as a part of progressive tinnitus management (PTM). The study involved three phases: (1) develop a prototype app and conduct usability testing; (2) conduct two focus groups to obtain initial feedback from individuals representing potential users; and (3) conduct a field study to evaluate the app, with three successive groups of participants. Study Sample: Participants were adults with bothersome tinnitus. For Phase 2, two focus groups were attended by a total of 17 participants. Phase 3 involved three consecutive rounds of participants: five from the focus groups followed by two rounds with 10 participants each who had not seen the app previously. Results: In both the focus groups and field studies, participants responded favourably to the content. Certain features, however, were deemed too complex. Conclusion: Completion of this project resulted in the development and testing of the delivery of PTM coping skills via a smartphone app. This new approach has the potential to improve access to coping skills for those with bothersome tinnitus.