Which instrument is validated for quantifying the psychosocial impact of tinnitus and its severity into graded categories?
- A Glasgow Benefit Inventory
- B Short Increment Sensitivity Index (SISI)
- C Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) ✓
- D Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE)
Correct answer: C. Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI)
Explanation
The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory is a 25 item self report questionnaire that scores the functional, emotional and catastrophic impact of tinnitus and grades severity into slight, mild, moderate, severe and catastrophic categories. It is widely used to document baseline disability and to measure response to tinnitus therapy. SISI detects cochlear recruitment, HHIE measures self perceived hearing handicap in the elderly, and the Glasgow Benefit Inventory measures general otorhinolaryngological intervention outcomes rather than tinnitus specific distress.
Reference: Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.