Objective: To develop and validate the Tinnitus Qualities and Impact Questionnaire (TQIQ), a new tool for evaluating perceived qualities of tinnitus sound.

Method: The study was part of two clinical trials on internet-based tinnitus interventions, using  cross-sectional (n=380) and pretest-posttest data (n=280). Participants completed various questionnaires online, including the newly developed TQIQ and measures of tinnitus severity (Tinnitus Functional Index; TFI), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7; GAD-7), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire 9; PHQ-9), insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index; ISI), and health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L Visual Analogue Scale; VAS). The psychometric properties of the TQIQ were assessed, including construct validity, internal consistency reliability, floor and ceiling effects, interpretability, and responsiveness to treatment.

Results: Exploratory factor analysis resulted in two factors that accounted for 57% of the variance—internal and external tinnitus qualities. Overall, 92% convergent validity predictions were confirmed; TQIQ total scores strongly (≥ .6) or moderately (.30 to .59) correlated with the TFI, GAD-7, PHQ-9, and ISI. The known-groups validity prediction was confirmed as individuals with an overall TFI score >50 (severe) obtained significantly higher TQIQ scores. All internal consistency reliability statistics were within the required range (Cronbach’s α >0.8). Floor and ceiling effects were negligible. ROC established clinically important cut-off scores, enhancing interpretability of tinnitus severity classification. Finally, 89% convergent validity predictions were confirmed; TQIQ and TFI change scores were moderately correlated indicating good responsiveness of the former to treatment.

Conclusions: The TQIQ has adequate psychometric properties, providing a standardized measure for the assessment of characteristics of tinnitus sound in clinical practice.