title: Validation of the Mini-TQ in a Dutch-speaking population: a rapid assessment for tinnitus-related distress.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Up to 30% of the adult population experiences tinnitus at some point in life. The aim of the present study was to validate the Mini-Tinnitus Questionnaire (TQ) in a Dutch-speaking population for measuring tinnitus-related distress and compare it with the extended version normally used in clinical practice and research.
  
  
  METHODS
  We assessed 181 patients at the Tinnitus Research Initiative clinic of Antwerp University Hospital. Twelve items from the TQ chosen by Hiller and Goebel based on the optimal combination of high item correlation, reliability, and sensitivity were selected and correlated to the different subscale and global scores of the TQ. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and the Guttman split-half coefficient was used to confirm reliability.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Correlation to the global TQ score was .93, internal consistency was .87, and reliability was .89. This study further revealed that the Mini-TQ correlates better with the different subscales of the TQ in the Dutch-speaking population. The convergence validity was confirmed, ensuring that this new instrument measures distress. In addition, the norms suggested by Hiller and Goebel were verified and established.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on these results, the Mini-TQ is recommended as a valid instrument for evaluating tinnitus-related distress in Dutch-speaking populations for a compact, quick, and economical assessment.
authors.affiliation: BRAI2N, TRI Tinnitus Clinic & Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Antwerp, Belgium. sven.vanneste@ua.ac.be
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vanneste
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Plazier
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: van der Loo
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ost
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Meeus
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Van de Heyning
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: De Ridder
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001530:Belgium; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011594:Psychometrics; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*