Валідація української версії анкети оцінки якості життя з тинітусом "Tinnitus Handicap Inventory"

Tinnitus (the sensation of ringing or noise in the ears) is a common condition, particularly associated with hearing impairments, and significantly affects patients' quality of life, especially due to disturbances in sleep, concentration, and the deterioration of emotional well-being. One of the most widely used tools for assessing the severity of tinnitus symptoms is the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) questionnaire. It was developed to comprehensively evaluate the impact of tinnitus on various aspects of a patient's life, and as a result, this questionnaire has gained international recognition. Validating the Ukrainian version of the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory will ensure the accuracy and reliability of data related to the impact of tinnitus on patients. It will allow for the integration of the tool into clinical practice for more effective monitoring of patient status and selection of optimal treatment methods. The aim of the study: To validate the Ukrainian version of the "Tinnitus Handicap Inventory" questionnaire for evaluating the quality of life of patients with tinnitus. Materials and methods: A total of 65 individuals participated in the study. Based on the established diagnosis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (35 individuals) or chronic sensorineural hearing loss (30 individuals), the patients were divided into Group A and Group B. The study design involved conducting questionnaires, otolaryngological examinations, and full audiological assessments. The questionnaires were administered to all patients twice — at the time of hospitalization and discharge from the otolaryngology department. Two questionnaires were used: the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and a 10-point VAS (Visual Analog Scale) for quality of life. Results: When evaluating dynamic changes in THI questionnaire data during treatment, patients with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and tinnitus showed statistically significant changes between the initial and follow-up measurements (p<0.0001). The psychometric sensitivity of the Ukrainian version of the THI questionnaire is high. No significant difference was observed for patients with chronic sensorineural hearing loss (CSNHL) and tinnitus. Based on the statistical analysis of the survey data from Group B, it can be concluded that the reliability of the psychometric measure is high (r>0.8), and the validation of the questionnaire is complete. Conclusions: According to current data, the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory consists of 25 simple questions and has several advantages over other scales or questionnaires, including its widespread use and integration into otolaryngological and neurological practice. This questionnaire is one of the most recognized and frequently used tools to assess tinnitus's impact on patients' quality of life worldwide. The Ukrainian version of the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory has successfully passed psychometric evaluation, making it sensitive, reliable, and valid. All stages of validation of the Ukrainian adapted translation of the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory have been successfully completed, and its use in clinical practice for assessing the quality of life of patients with tinnitus is therefore justified