What is the Tinnitus Functional Index?

The TFI is a validated 25-item questionnaire, developed at Oregon Health & Science University, that measures how much tinnitus affects your life and how that changes over time. Scores run from 0 to 100 across eight areas like sleep, concentration, and mood.

What is a normal or concerning TFI score?

Roughly, 0–17 means tinnitus isn't a problem, 18–31 a small problem, 32–53 moderate, 54–72 a big problem, and 73–100 a very big problem. Higher scores, or a rising trend, are a clear prompt to seek specialist tinnitus support.

Can anything help my tinnitus?

Yes. Even when the sound itself persists, sound therapy, tinnitus-focused CBT, and improving sleep and stress can substantially reduce distress. Ask your GP about a referral to an audiology or tinnitus service.

Hearing

Tinnitus Impact Test (TFI)

Measure how much tinnitus affects your sleep, focus, and mood with the validated Tinnitus Functional Index.

~5 minTime

Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI), 25 itemsMethod

FreeCost

Before you start

1Think about the past week — Rate your typical recent experience, not an unusually good or bad day.
2Answer every item — All 25 questions feed the score — skipping items distorts it.
3Be honest about impact — There are no right answers; the goal is an accurate picture.
4Pair with the pitch-match test — Describing your tinnitus and tracking its impact are complementary.

25 questions

5′

Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI), 25 items

What it measures

How much tinnitus is affecting your life right now — across awareness, sense of control, sleep, concentration, hearing, relaxation, quality of life, and mood. It uses the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI), a validated 25-item questionnaire designed to be sensitive to change over time.

How it works

You rate 25 statements from 0 to 10 about the past week. The responses are combined into a TFI score from 0 to 100, which falls into a severity band from ‘not a problem’ to ‘very big problem’. Because the TFI is responsive, it's especially useful for tracking whether tinnitus or its treatment is changing.

Tips for an accurate result

1Use it to track change — Re-take monthly — the TFI is built to detect improvement or worsening.
2Mind sleep and stress — Both strongly influence how intrusive tinnitus feels; note them alongside your score.
3Effective help exists — Sound therapy and tinnitus-focused CBT have good evidence even when the sound persists.
4Watch your mood — If tinnitus is dragging your mood down, mention it to your GP — it matters.

Frequently asked questions

Continue your check-up

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Tinnitus Frequency Match

Pinpoint the exact pitch of your ringing — the basis of sound therapy.

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A safe, volume-capped check for hyperacusis: find out if everyday sounds feel uncomfortably loud.

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