Psychometric Validity, Reliability, and Responsiveness of the Tinnitus Functional Index.

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Psychometric Validity, Reliability, and Responsiveness of the Tinnitus Functional Index.

J Am Acad Audiol. 2018 Jul/Aug;29(7):609-625

Authors: Chandra N, Chang K, Lee A, Shekhawat GS, Searchfield GD

Abstract
BACKGROUND: The effects of treatments on tinnitus have been difficult to quantify. The Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) has been proposed as a standard questionnaire for measurement of tinnitus treatment outcomes. For a questionnaire to achieve wide acceptance, its psychometric properties need to be confirmed in different populations.
OBJECTIVE: To determine if the TFI is a reliable and valid measure of tinnitus, and if its psychometric properties are suitable for use as an outcome measure.
RESEARCH DESIGN: A psychometric evaluation of the TFI from secondary data obtained from a cross-sectional clinic survey and a clinical trial undertaken in New Zealand.
STUDY SAMPLE: Confirmatory factor analysis and evaluation of internal consistency reliability were undertaken on a sample of 318 patients with the primary complaint of tinnitus. In a separate sample of 40 research volunteers, test-retest reliability, convergent and divergent validity were evaluated. Both samples consisted of predominantly older Caucasian male patients with tinnitus.
RESULTS: The internal structure of the original US TFI was confirmed. The Cronbach's Alpha and Intraclass correlation coefficients were >0.7 for the TFI overall and each of its subscales, indicating high internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Strong Pearson correlations with the Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire and tinnitus numerical rating scales indicated excellent convergent validity, and a moderate correlation with the Hearing Handicap Inventory, indicated moderate divergent validity. Evaluation of the clinical trial showed good test-retest reliability and agreement between no-treatment baselines with a smallest detectable change of 4.8 points.
CONCLUSIONS: The TFI is a reliable and valid measure of tinnitus severity in the population tested and is responsive to treatment-related change. Further research as to the TFI's responsiveness to treatment is needed across different populations.

PMID: 29988009 [PubMed - in process]

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