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Semi-Automated Analysis of Peak Amplitude and Latency for Auditory Brainstem Response Waveforms Using R
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Characterizing the most Popular Tinnitus Inquiries: Is Tinnitus Incidence on the Rise Since COVID-19?
Christian G Fritz, Jonathan S Choi1, Robert M Conway
1Michigan Ear Institute, Farmington Hills, Michigan.
Summary
Millions of adults suffer from chronic tinnitus. This study analyzed online searches, revealing patient interest in treatments like wearable masking devices and concerns about neurological causes, with a notable increase in searches since COVID-19.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Digital Health
- Patient-Reported Outcomes
Background:
- Chronic tinnitus affects approximately 50 million US adults.
- Patient search behaviors and concerns regarding tinnitus remain largely uninvestigated nationally.
- Understanding patient information-seeking is crucial for improving care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate national search behaviors and topics of concern for adults experiencing chronic tinnitus.
- To identify key areas of patient interest to inform educational materials and clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a search engine optimization tool to analyze "People Also Ask" (PAA) questions related to tinnitus.
- Assessed website quality using JAMA benchmark criteria.
- Examined search volume trends and institutional tinnitus incidence data.
Main Results:
- The majority of analyzed PAA questions (54.0%) were value-based.
- Top patient interests included tinnitus treatment (29.3%), alternative therapies (21.5%), and symptom timelines (13.4%).
- Wearable masking devices were a key treatment interest, with a >3-fold increase in searches for unilateral tinnitus since COVID-19, correlating with increased clinical consultations.
Conclusions:
- Identified patient concerns can guide the development of educational resources and clinical practice.
- Online search trends indicate a rise in tinnitus-related queries post-COVID-19, mirroring increased clinical consultations.
- This data highlights the growing importance of digital health information in tinnitus management.
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