iSHUSH-Think /Quest-Eval
Research type
Research Study
Full title
internet Self-Help, Understanding and Support for Hyperacusis (iSHUSH): think-aloud interviews and online evaluation of questionnaires for hyperacusis
IRAS ID
324377
Contact name
Kathryn Fackrell
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Nottingham
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
Some people have real difficulty coping with everyday sounds such as car noise, dishwashers, or talking. This is a hearing problem called hyperacusis. People with hyperacusis report that everyday sounds are frightening, painful, or overwhelming. This often leads to feelings of fear, distress, or anxiety. Every aspect of life can be affected. Research has shown that underpinning a lot of these problems is a lack of knowledge of the condition or how best to cope with it. The internet is a useful way to provide high-quality information to a large number of people who have hyperacusis. It offers the means to educate and support people, for example by teaching about self-help. We are developing and evaluating a online education resource/website for hyperacusis entitled “internet Self-help, Understanding and Support for Hyperacusis” (iSHUSH) to support adults experiencing hyperacusis. Our first interview study identified the needs, and challenges of hyperacusis, and the things that stop or encourage engagement with online resources. These findings combined with evidence from research informed the iSHUSH structure and content. We now need to check what works, what did not work and importantly whether the content is acceptable, relevant, understandable, and easy to use for the intended users (adults experiencing hyperacusis and healthcare professionals who support them). We also need to identify the most reliable, relevant and appropriate questionnaire to measure the impact of hyperacusis to include on the iSHUSH website. We will therefore carry out two parts:
Part A: Online questionnaire study to check how well the current questionnaires measure the impact of hyperacusis and changes in symptoms over time and find out your views and opinions of these questionnaires
Part B: One-on-one discussions with adults experiencing hyperacusis and healthcare professionals to find out their thoughts, views and opinions and immediate reactions to all or parts of the iSHUSH content.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/EE/0116
Date of REC Opinion
2 Jun 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion