Cognitive variables in tinnitus annoyance

TLDR

The study aimed to develop two new questionnaires to assess dimensions of tinnitus complaint. Researchers performed factor analysis on data from tinnitus patients using the first questionnaire, then created a second questionnaire that incorporated items on coping attitudes and beliefs. The analyses identified three primary complaint dimensions—emotional distress, auditory perceptual difficulties, and sleep disturbance—and the second questionnaire successfully distinguished complaining from non‑complaining patients, while additional smaller factors suggested greater complexity.

Abstract

Two new questionnaires were devised to investigate dimensions of complaint about tinnitus. Following a factor analysis of data provided by a sample of tinnitus patients who were administered the first questionnaire, the second questionnaire was developed. This included questions concerning coping attitudes and beliefs about tinnitus. The results of the two analyses were similar and they indicated the presence of three main dimensions of complaint (emotional distress, auditory perceptual difficulties, and sleep disturbance). However several smaller factors suggested that complaint was more complex than originally predicted. The second questionnaire successfully discriminated complaining from non‐complaining patients.