Tinnitus Handicap Inventory
Also written as: THI — Tinnitus Handicap Inventory
A validated 25-item self-report questionnaire used to quantify the functional, emotional, and catastrophic impact of tinnitus on a patient's daily life.
Full Definition
The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) is a standardised outcome measure developed by Newman, Jacobson, and Spitzer (1996) consisting of 25 items across three subscales: functional, emotional, and catastrophic. Each item is scored 0, 2, or 4, yielding a total score from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater handicap. Score ranges are mapped to severity categories (slight, mild, moderate, severe, catastrophic). The THI is widely used both at initial assessment and as a treatment outcome measure. Editors should ensure the full name is used on first reference before the THI abbreviation is introduced, and should verify that subscale scores are reported separately when referenced.
Usage
Usage note: Do not confuse THI with the Hearing Handicap Inventory (HHI); both are self-report tools but measure different constructs. Confirm which tool is referenced before editing.
In Context
- "Pre- and post-treatment THI scores were compared to evaluate the effectiveness of sound therapy." — Clinical outcomes research report
- "Ensure the abbreviation THI is defined at first use; it should not be assumed familiar to all editorial readers." — Manuscript preparation guideline