Publication:

Translation and validation of tinnitus handicap inventory into Gujarati language

Background Tinnitus is a very debilitating symptom. Various questionnaires have been developed to quantify the handicap due to tinnitus, out of which THI is widely used. First developed in English language, THI has been adapted in many other languages. In the present study, THI was translated and validated in Gujarati language (THI-Guj).

Methods THI in English was translated into Gujarati language by the language experts. It was administered to 20 Gujarati speaking people for content validity before finally using on the patients. 68 patients filled the THI-Guj and the scores so obtained were statistically analyzed for reliability scores.

Results THI-Guj could classify the patients into slight, mild, moderate, severe and catastrophic tinnitus. The overall Cronbach’s Alpha score for the inventory was 0.980, while scores for the subscales (functional, emotional and catastrophic) were 0.848, 0.853 and 0.896 respectively, indicating an acceptable reliability.

Conclusions THI-Guj can be used in assessment and monitoring of tinnitus sufferers, who are Gujarati speakers, by audiologist as well as otologists working in various clinical settings.