Turkish Validity and Reliability Study of the Auditory Localization Questionnaire and Examination of Its Correlation with the Spatial Hearing Questionnaire

Abstract

Background To investigate the validity and reliability of the Turkish Auditory Localization Questionnaire (ALQ) and to examine the correlation of this questionnaire with the Spatial Hearing Questionnaire (SHQ). Methods Individuals aged 18-60 with normal hearing (55 adults) and bilateral hearing loss (HL) (65 adults) were included in the study. The adults with bilateral HL were divided into two groups: bilateral hearing aid (HA) users (35 adults) and non-HA users (30 adults). These participants were asked to complete a demographic information form, SHQ, and the ALQ. Results In the HA group, the aided pure tone average (PTA) was 34.85 +/- 10.58 dB, the unaided PTA was 66.97 +/- 13.81 dB in the right ear, and the aided PTA was 33.22 +/- 9.70 dB, the unaided PTA was 60.48 +/- 12.88 dB in the left ear. For all individuals with HL who had never used HA, the group's right ear PTA was 45.34 +/- 14.28 dB, and the left ear PTA was 41.62 +/- 11.39 dB. SHQ and ALQ had a moderately negative correlation for all groups. There was no significant difference between the ALQ and SHQ scores of those with HL (p > 0.05). Both questionnaire scores were worse in participants with HL, regardless of HA use than in those with normal hearing (p < 0.05). The analysis revealed that the ALQ consisted of a five-factor structure in the HL and a six-factor structure in the control. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of ALQ was determined to be 0.88 for the HL group and 0.90 for the control group. Conclusions The ALQ is valid and reliable for evaluating individuals with HL. Although SHQ and the ALQ have no significant difference subscales, their subfactors evaluate auditory localization and spatial hearing in different situations. No significant positive effect of bilateral HA on spatial hearing and auditory localization was detected.