Development and validation of a questionnaire for hearing implant users to self-assess their auditory abilities in everyday communication situations: the Hearing Implant Sound Quality Index (HISQUI₁₉)

Abstract

Conclusions: The Hearing Implant Sound Quality Index (HISQUI₁₉) seems to be a valid tool for quantifying the self-perceived level of auditory benefit that cochlear implant (CI) users experience in everyday listening situations. Additional research is, however, required. Objectives: To develop and validate a user-friendly instrument for quantifying the self-perceived level of auditory benefit that CI users experience in everyday listening situations. Methods: This was an explorative, uncontrolled, single-group, cross-sectional study. Items for the HISQUI₁₉ were decided upon using user input and verified by professionals. The HISQUI₁₉ was assessed on 75 CI users from hearing implant centres in Germany and Austria to determine the questions. Results: The HISQUI₁₉, consisting of 19 items scored on a 7-point Likert scale, was validated. Subjects older than 60 years at time of implantation did not have significantly higher mean values than subjects younger than 60 years. Gender and whether subjects are unilateral or bilateral implant CI users did not influence self-perceived functioning. Subjects with ≤20 years of hearing loss reported no significantly higher functioning than those with >20 years of hearing loss.

Keywords::

• Cochlear implant
• adults
• auditory benefit

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank all of the clinics and audiological professionals for their data and their support and Michael Todd (MED-EL) for his medical writing assistance.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.