Research Article - The International Tinnitus Journal (2012) Volume 17, Issue 2

National linguistic validation of the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI). Assessment of disability caused by tinnitus in chilean spanish-speaking population

The psycho-emotional assessment is of utmost importance for evaluation of patients with tinnitus. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), is the most known and validated test for this purpose. Objectives: We propose a linguistic validation of the THI, in order to obtain reliable answers in our country. Materials and Methods: We performed a translation of the original English questionnaire and assessed its feasibility by applying it in a group of patients with tinnitus. Statistical analysis included internal validity (Cronbach’s alpha) and linear correlation tests (Pearson coefficient).

Results: We evaluated 60 patients with a mean age of 59 years. We obtained a Cronbach’s alpha index of 0.97 for the whole questionnaire.

Conclusions: The adapted version of the THI shows satisfactory levels of internal consistency for the assessment of disability caused by tinnitus.

Author(s): Carolina Der; Eugenio Alzerreca; José Tomas San Martín; Liliana Roman; Isabel Zamorano; Jorge Malhue; Paola Aliaga; Linda Coronelli Soledad Sarda

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