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

Background and ObjectivesZZThe 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 (IOIHA) and to determine its reliability and validity. Subjects and MethodZZThe 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 valid ity based on the results of pure tone audiometry. ResultsZZK-IOI-HA showed a good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α=0.83) and a high testretest reliability (r=0.943, p＜0.01). Validity checked by confirmatory factor analysis also showed good construct validity. ConclusionZZThe Korean version of IOI-HA is a reliable and valid tool for evaluating subjective outcomes of hearing aids. � Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg 2012;55:20-5