A content analysis of YouTube Videos on Tinnitus in South Korea

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 relevant information they contained, and their understandability and actionability scores were also assessed. Out of 100 tinnitus videos, 27 were created by otolaryngologists, 25 by Oriental 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 had higher understandability than Oriental doctors (p = 0.003) and other medical professionals (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.