Smartphone-Based vs Face-to-Face Counseling for Tinnitus

Overview

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of smartphone-based counseling and face-to-face counseling in adults with chronic tinnitus. Both interventions are based on the same structured counseling protocol and are delivered over a six-week period. The primary research question is whether smartphone-based counseling can achieve clinical outcomes comparable to those of traditional face-to-face counseling in reducing tinnitus-related impact and associated symptoms.

This study is a randomized, parallel-group clinical trial designed to evaluate two counseling delivery formats for chronic tinnitus. Eligible adult participants with chronic subjective tinnitus are allocated to either smartphone-based counseling or face-to-face counseling. Both groups receive the same structured counseling content, with the delivery format being the only difference between interventions. The counseling protocol focuses on tinnitus education, correction of maladaptive beliefs, and development of coping strategies. In the face-to-face group, counseling is delivered through scheduled in-person sessions using a structured educational booklet. In the smartphone-based group, the same content is delivered through a mobile application consisting of sequential modules, including assessment, education, coping strategies, and a clinician support feature. Participants in both groups complete baseline assessments prior to counseling and follow-up evaluations at two and six weeks. The study is designed to examine whether smartphone-based counseling can achieve outcomes comparable to traditional face-to-face counseling when a unified counseling protocol is applied.

Conditions

Interventions

Eligibility

Locations (1)

Outcomes