Tinnitus Questionnaires for Research and Clinical Use

The lack of an objective measure of tinnitus has led to self-report questionnaires as the best option to evaluate tinnitus symptoms and quantify the degree to which quality of life is negatively impacted. There are many tinnitus questionnaires to choose from and it can be difficult to decide which one is best. From an evidence-based perspective, knowing how the questionnaire is designed, including its intended purpose, can help determine if it is appropriate or not to use. For example, a questionnaire designed to screen for the presence or absence of tinnitus should not be used as an outcome measure to answer questions about treatment effectiveness. Often, using more than one questionnaire is preferable to relying on just one. This chapter will review important factors to consider when selecting a questionnaire for research purposes and/or routine clinical care.