Table 10.

Observations regarding tinnitus services, including unhelpful attitudes and suggestions for improvements (n = 604)

	Respondents
	(n)	(%)
Comments regarding tinnitus services
Services poor or unavailable locally: had to travel	12	1.99
Paid for private treatment	32	5.23
Had to go through the system more than once: “revolving door” healthcare	8	1.32
Had to be very persistent to obtain referral to tinnitus services	21	3.48
Learnt to self-manage tinnitus	12	1.99
Gave up interacting with healthcare services	2	0.33
Factors that would improve tinnitus services
More information	11	1.82
A quicker service from tinnitus services	42	6.95
More extensive diagnostic services	15	2.48
Easier booking of follow-up appointments	8	1.32
Easier access to audiology	2	0.33
Easier access to psychology	6	0.99
More general recognition and awareness	31	5.13
More knowledge of local tinnitus options by General Practitioners	9	1.49
More research and /or a cure	19	3.15
Negative experience of tinnitus services
Told by healthcare professional that nothing can be done/they will have to live with the tinnitus	201	33.28
Patient concluded that nothing can be done/they will have to live with the tinnitus	19	3.15