ICF domains covered by the Tinnitus Questionnaire and Tinnitus Functional Index

Purpose Tinnitus frequently causes disability as it affects daily living, which is objectified using several tinnitus questionnaires. To what extent they cover domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is currently unknown. Therefore, this study aims to investigate which ICF domains are measured by two questionnaires and to describe the health status of somatic tinnitus patients in ICF terms. Materials and methods All questions of the Tinnitus Questionnaire (TQ) and Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) were linked to the ICF using linking rules. A count-based method was used to link all individual answers of 80 tinnitus patients, to the ICF categories. Results Most of the linked questions concerned body functions. TFI covered more categories of activity and participation than TQ. Patients reported severe impairments in mental functions, sensory functions and pain, and sleep functions. Additionally, severe limitations were scored in focusing attention. Conclusions The TFI and TQ measure distinct domains but can be used complementary or solely, depending on the research question. The TFI identifies a broad spectrum of problems, where the TQ focuses on the psychological impact of tinnitus. Somatic patients in our study reported impairments and disabilities in all covered domains, especially in onset of sleep and sound detection.

Automated summary

The study investigated the ICF domains covered by the Tinnitus Questionnaire and Tinnitus Functional Index, finding that TFI covered more categories of activity and participation while TQ focused on body functions. Patients with somatic tinnitus reported severe impairments in mental functions, sensory functions, pain, and sleep functions, with limitations in focusing attention. Somatic patients in the study reported impairments and disabilities in all covered domains, especially in onset of sleep and sound detection.