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Validation of Lithuanian version of Hearing Handicap Inventory for the elderly
Date Issued |
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2017-09-07 |
Introduction: Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly is a 10-item self-administered questionnaire (0-40 points) created for the assessment of hearing related quality of life for the elderly. There was no specialised subjective method to measure handicap of elderly in Lithuania due to hearing problems so far. Aim: To determine the reliability and validity of the Lithuanian version of the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE-LT). Methods: Linguistic and cultural adaptation was made according to guidelines including professional translators, retranslators, editors, ENT specialist committee and pilot study. After getting the final version of HHIE-LT, a total of 102 subjects older than 65 years were included in the study: 72 patients who had hearing complaints (patients group) and 30 healthy elderly people (control group). All subjects filled HHIE-LT as well as had an audiological evaluation. To assess construct validity, participants completed the Lithuanian version of 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Test-retest and internal consistency reliability as well as construct validity were calculated. Results: The Lithuanian version of the HHIE and its subscales showed a robust internal consistency reliability (Cronbach\’s α=0,95) as well as retest questionaire stability (Cronbach\’s α>0,89). There was no statistically significant difference within test-retest results over time (p=0.25). Statistically significant correlations were observed between the HHIELT and SF-36 social (r=0,54) and emotional (r=0,46) scales. There was a statistically significant difference (p<0.001) between the mean scores of the patients (29,36±8,7 points) and control groups (1,7±8,7points). ROC analysis showed that the cut point differentiating people with and without hearing loss is 8 points with sesitivity of 96% and Specificity of 99%. A statistically significant high correlation (r=0,8) was observed withi...