Standardization for a Korean Adaptation of the International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids: Study of Validity and Reliability / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The evaluation of subjective outcomes of hearing aid fitting is of paramount importance along with audiometric improvement. The aim of this study was to develop a Korean adaptation of the International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA) and to determine its reliability and validity. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: The translation of IOI-HA into the Korean version (K-IOI-HA) was completed through a process of forward translation, reconciliation, reverse translation and cognitive debriefing. K-IOI-HA was administered to 101 patients using hearing aids and visiting any the 10 referral hospitals. Reliability was evaluated by Cronbach's alpha coefficient and by test-retest analysis. Validity was assessed by confirmatory factor analysis and criterion validity based on the results of pure tone audiometry. RESULTS: K-IOI-HA showed a good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha=0.83) and a high test-retest reliability (r=0.943, p<0.01). Validity checked by confirmatory factor analysis also showed good construct validity. CONCLUSION: The Korean version of IOI-HA is a reliable and valid tool for evaluating subjective outcomes of hearing aids.