PONE-D-24-00934Confirmatory factor analysis of the tinnitus impact questionnaire using data from patients seeking help for tinnitus alone or tinnitus combined with hyperacusisPLOS ONE

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Additional Editor Comments:

Dear Authors

The paper is well written, I have received the reports of the reviewers and one of the reviewers have suggested minor changes, do incorporate the changes and submit.

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Reviewers' comments:

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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Reviewer #1: No

Reviewer #2: Yes

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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Reviewer #1: In this paper authors assessed factor structure, internal reliability or consistency, discriminant validity, and convergent validity of the modified version of tinnitus impact questionnaire. Method used for the present study was suitable, and conclusions based on the results are appropriate.

Reviewer #2: The m/s describes further validation work on a recently developed tool that seeks to assess the impact of tinnitus on the everyday life of patients with this disorder. The questionnaire has been previously described - this research project considered the internal consistency of the tool and its convergent validity. The latter was considered in relation to the Visual Analogue Scale (effect of tinnitus on life) and the Screening for Anxiety and Depression - Tinnitus questionnaire. Further work using a MIMC model noted no influence of audiometric characteristics, age or gender on the questionnaire results. Overall, this is a very well-written m/s. The flow of ideas was logical and the discussion/conclusions well-grounded in the research findings. A very worthwhile contribution to the research field. My minor comments follow:

Title - Tinnitus Impact Questionnaire should be capitalised.

Text - capitalise Visual Analogue Scale; not necessary to calitalise "Autistic Spectrum Disorders" p. 7 and p. 15); p.9 "... on the number of days it occurred: ..." - specify that the number of days is over a 2 week period; p. 12 subtitle "Discriminant and convergent and validity" needs correction; give a reference for the 'lavaan' package and briefly describe it in the text (an extra phrase will suffice); p. 23 delete comma in "Although, it has long been ..."

References - 1. No need for "The"; 5. should be "HNO"; 7. Should be "Tinnitus Functional Index"; 11. delete "/the British Psychological Society"; 13. journal title change to "Journal of Neuroscience"22. typo ". . "; 25 no capital needed for "People"; 32. typo "; 1997", give report number; 41. "1, editor" and ".;" typos; 44. capitalise "Tinnitus Handicap Inventory"; 45. full stop needed after title; 47. typo "5th ed ed."; location of publisher needed; 61. "The" not required in title; 64. should be " .. Tinnitus Functional Index ..."; 67. volume and page numbers absent; 73. capitalise test name. In general, check all references and be consistent in how titles are presented (some are in full, others are abbreviated - use the PLOS ONE recommended style).

Figures - 1. "TIQ" in full in figure title when first used.

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Reviewer #1: No

Reviewer #2: No

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Confirmatory factor analysis of the Tinnitus Impact Questionnaire using data from patients seeking help for tinnitus alone or tinnitus combined with hyperacusis

PONE-D-24-00934R1

Dear Dr. Erfanian,

We’re pleased to inform you that your manuscript has been judged scientifically suitable for publication and will be formally accepted for publication once it meets all outstanding technical requirements.

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Kind regards,

Rohit Ravi, Ph.D.

Academic Editor

PLOS ONE

Additional Editor Comments (optional):

Dear Authors, the revision is satisfactory.

Reviewers' comments:

NIL