Varley, R;
Kok, TE;
Shekhawat, GS;
(2022)
Survey of tinnitus patients’ acceptance of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation as a management option.
International Journal of Audiology
, 61
(6)
pp. 507-514.
10.1080/14992027.2021.1933622.
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Abstract
Objectives: To investigate acceptance of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) as a management option for tinnitus. / Design: Participants completed an online version of the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI), after which they recorded their satisfaction ratings with different hypothetical intervention outcomes on a 10-point rating scale using Opinio survey software. / Study sample: Data from 272 tinnitus sufferers from English-speaking regions worldwide were collected, of which the majority had moderate to severe tinnitus as per TFI. / Results: The survey showed that HD-tDCS was considered an acceptable form of tinnitus management, and that the satisfaction rating depended significantly on a number of factors: (1) the strength of the tinnitus reduction following the intervention (p < 0.001); 2) the duration of the intervention (p < 0.001); and (3) the effects of the intervention on either tinnitus loudness or tinnitus-related distress (p < 0.001). Respondents rated their satisfaction with the intervention 10/10 only if it completely eliminated tinnitus loudness, although reductions of 50–80% were also rated highly acceptable. No association was found between tinnitus severity and acceptability ratings. / Conclusions: These findings are important for future HD-tDCS trials for tinnitus, as they demonstrate the need to optimise stimulation protocols to increase effect sizes and decrease time spent on the treatment.
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