Backround: Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) has shown effectiveness in managing chronic tinnitus. ICBT is currently available in only a few languages (English, Swedish, Spanish, and German). The current study aimed to adapt, evaluate, and compare the readability and acceptability of the Turkish ICBT materials compared to previous versions.

Methods: ICBT materials were adapted from the pre-existing American English to the Turkish population in a four-step process: (a) cultural adaptations, (b) acceptability adaptation of materials to the Turkish-speaking population, and (c) literacy-level adjustments. Experts (n=11) and patients (n=11) rated the intervention materials and the ePlatform for acceptability, including usability, content, presentation, and suitability.

Results: Literacy-level adjustments generated acceptable readability levels of the Turkish version of the ICBT program. The average readability score was 76.15 ±0.35. The Turkish ICBT (Mdn: 7.00) was statistically lower compared to the Swedish (Mdn: 9.00) but higher when compared to the American English and Spanish (Mdn: 5.00) versions. There were no statistical differences between the British-English and Turkish versions in readability scores. Acceptability in the ICBT platform was rated favorably.

Conclusion: The Turkish ICBT was found to be user-friendly and easy to understand, with navigations that are straightforward, have clear information, and are supported by audiologists. The readability score of the Turkish ICBT is within recommended limits to ensure comprehensibility. We suggest that an online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program is adaptable for other languages for countries with a limited number of clinicians focused on CBT and tinnitus.