Development and field testing of a smartphone "App" for tinnitus management.

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.