Validation assessment of a French version of the Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire: A comparison between data from English and French versions

The present study compares the results obtained on original and French vers ions of the TRQ (Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire) initially published by Wi lson, Henry, Bowen, and Haralambous (1991) in English to evaluate the psych ological distress of tinnitus sufferers. Reliability and validity of the Fr ench translation were determined using data from 173 normal hearing or hear ing impaired patients with tinnitus lasting from 1 month to 41 years. They completed the translated questionnaire and a short version of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory. The results indicated good internal con sistency (Cronbach's alpha = .94), and the reliability of the French versio n of the TRQ was demonstrated, except for items 5 and 20. High statisticall y significant correlations were found between the TRQ and Depression, Psych aesthenia, and Anxiety Mini-Mult subscales. The validation demonstrates onl y minor effects of language. The French version of the TRQ thus is an equal ly valid tool as the original English version For evaluating tinnitus distr ess of a patient.