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

INTRODUCTION 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.