Translation of the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) into the Telugu language and Standardization

Abstract

Tinnitus is estimated to be present in 10%-15% of the general population. The severity of tinnitus is judged based on the handicap, caused by it. Several tools have been developed for assessing the handicap level. One such tool is the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI). This self-reporting questionnaire has 25 questions, in the English language. The questions describe common situations, covering three domains viz. functional, emotional and catastrophic. The patient has to answer 'Yes, No or Sometimes'. Globally, THI is accepted to have great utility, both in establishing the baseline and monitoring the efficacy of treatment. THI has been translated into several other languages. This article describes our endeavor to translate the same, into the Telugu language. We obtained due permission from the original author. In translation, a standard methodology was employed. The THI English version was translated into Telugu by two linguistic experts. The translated version was verified by experienced audiologists, for faithful reproduction to the original and for lucidity. Wherever required, the translation was suitably amended. All the professionals, above mentioned were native Telugu speakers, who were also proficient in English. Each question was checked with nontechnical lay persons, for easy comprehension and lucidity. Then, all the questions were back-translated into English, and checked for faithfulness. This Telugu version was christened as THI-T. This THI-T version was field tested and validated in 60 subjects with tinnitus, and in another 60 subjects, without tinnitus. Both the groups were provided with the Telugu version questionnaire and were asked to answer the questions. Statistical analysis were done using the Cronbach's Alpha test for internal consistency and test retest reliability was confirmed using the Pearson's 2 tailed correlation to determine statistical significance respectively. Results showed significant efficacy and reliability, of the translated THI-T tool.