How sound-generating devices impact in managing tinnitus

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Why do some people with tinnitus choose sound generating devices?

• IRAS ID

  264212

• Contact name

  Helen Pryce

• Contact email

  h.pryce-cazalet@aston.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Aston University

• Duration of Study in the UK

  0 years, 3 months, 14 days

• Research summary

  Tinnitus is the perception of sound where there are no external sounds. It can have varying degrees of impact and can be managed in different ways. Providing sound enrichment to people with tinnitus is one way to manage tinnitus. Sound enrichment uses external sounds to help with reducing tinnitus awareness.
  This is because tinnitus is more pronounced in quiet environments. Sound enrichment can be provided by using a hearing aid, a sound generator or by a device which combines both. A sound generator is a portable table-top device which provides a selection of relaxing sounds. Research has so far established some benefit in using sound enrichment however there is a gap in knowledge in what people with tinnitus think about their sound-generating devices and how they feel their devices help with managing their tinnitus. This is an important area of research to focus on as it can lead to better management of individualised care for people with tinnitus. It can also guide services which provide sound enrichment as part of their service delivery. In order to find out what people with tinnitus think about their devices, a qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews will be used to collect insightful information from those who use these devices. Grounded theory methodology will be used for this pilot study to establish a possible theory to answer the research question. As this area is a gap in knowledge, it needs to be explored in an inductive manner to establish an understanding. Grounded theory not only facilitates this but also takes into consideration different experiences and perspectives of those using the devices.

• REC name

  West Midlands - Solihull Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  19/WM/0271

• Date of REC Opinion

  25 Sep 2019

• REC opinion

  Favourable Opinion