A content analysis of YouTube videos on tinnitus in South Korea

Abstract

More people use the internet for medical information, especially YouTube. Nevertheless, no study has been conducted to analyze the quality of YouTube videos about tinnitus in Korea. This study aims to review the contents and quality of YouTube videos on tinnitus. The top 100 Korean YouTube videos on tinnitus were reviewed by a tinnitus expert. This study assessed video details: title, creator, length, and popularity indicators—subscribers, views, and likes. The contents of the video clips were analyzed to determine the relevance, understandability, actionability, and quality of information. Out of 100 tinnitus videos, 27 were created by otolaryngologists, 25 by traditional Korean medicine doctors, 25 by other medical professionals, and 3 by lay persons. Sensorineural tinnitus was frequently dealt, and hearing loss, stress, and noise were introduced as main causes of tinnitus. Otolaryngologists' videos covered verified treatments, but others suggested unproven therapies including herbal medicine or acupressure. Otolaryngologists' videos showed significantly higher understandability and quality of information compared to others (p < 0.001). This study found that tinnitus YouTube videos frequently present low-quality and incorrect material, which could have an adverse effect on patients. Results highlight the need for tinnitus specialists to provide accurate information.

Effectiveness of Computer-Mediated Educational Counseling for Tinnitus Relief: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…In addition, videos can be used to provide educational counseling. Recently, it has been reported that 74% of adult internet users obtain information about various health issues, including tinnitus, through online [28] and video-sharing services such as YouTube (Google Inc., Mountain View, CA, USA), which is one of the most popular online platforms [29]. Various videos that provide self-help strategies for patients with tinnitus are available on this platform, including self-management videos that distract from tinnitus with sounds, such as white noise and running water, and information-sharing videos that provide information about tinnitus being the most frequently uploaded videos.…”