Development and psychometric evaluation of a health-related quality of life instrument for individuals with adult-onset hearing loss.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Self-reports of 'hearing handicap' are available, but a comprehensive measure of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for individuals with adult-onset hearing loss (AOHL) does not exist. Our objective was to develop and evaluate a multidimensional HRQOL instrument for individuals with AOHL.

Design

The Impact of Hearing Loss Inventory Tool (IHEAR-IT) was developed using results of focus groups, a literature review, advisory expert panel input, and cognitive interviews.

Study sample

The 73-item field-test instrument was completed by 409 adults (22-91 years old) with varying degrees of AOHL and from different areas of the USA.

Results

Multitrait scaling analysis supported four multi-item scales and five individual items. Internal consistency reliabilit

SUBMITTER: Stika CJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5005284 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature