Validation of the Greek Version of Tinnitus Handicap Inventory.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to validate the Greek version of the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory.

METHOD

Eighty-six adult patients with chronic tinnitus participated in the study. Sociodemographic data and medical history were recorded during the interview. The patients underwent audiological examination and they were asked to fill in three questionnaires: the Greek version of the THI (THI-GR), the Greek version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the brief Tinnitus Severity Scale Questionnaire (TSSQ).

RESULTS

The THI-GR showed good internal consistency, comparable to the original version. Cronbach's alpha was equal to 0.92, which suggests a robust reliability. All THI-GR subscales along with total score were significantly and positively correlated with the TSSQ grade and the audiogram results indicating the existence of convergent validity. Furthermore, THI-GR's subscales were significantly correlated with both State and Trait subscales, which indicates a correlation between tinnitus and stress.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlighted the high reliability and validity of the THI-GR as a self-report measure for the evaluation of tinnitus-related annoyance and psychological distress in clinical practice.