Development of Simplified Version of Korean-Type Tinnitus Handicap Inventory

Mun, Mi Jin; Goh, Eui Kyung; Oh, Se Joon; Kwon, Hyun Keun; Kong, Soo Keun; Lee, Il Woo

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) is a useful measure to evaluate the tinnitus and to quantify the functional and psychosocial consequences of tinnitus. However, it can be difficult for patients to understand the items of questionnaire and may take 10 to 15 minutes for them to complete the questionnaire, which can be problematic. The objective of this study is to develop a simplified version of the Korean type Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THIS).
SUBJECTS AND METHOD
A retrospective clinical study was conducted to analyze the THI-S cutoff score used for referral purpose and the level of predictability between the THI and the THIS. 100 patients participated. The subject samples were drawn from outpatients who reported tinnitus as their primary complaints at the time of the initial audiology and otolaryngology evaluations. The 10-item THI-S, selected by using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, showed a high correlation with the scores of the THI. Based on their clinical experiences, the four otologists developed their own screening versions of THI, which were designated as THI-A, B, C and D. The Pearson product-moment correlation was used to assess the comparability of the scores between the THI and the THI-S, A, B, C and D.
RESULTS
The results showed that there is a higher correlation between the THIS and the THI-S. A high comparability was shown in the comparison between the THI and the THI-S.
CONCLUSION
Further studies will be needed if the THI-S can be applied for clinical use.