TRANSLATION AND ADAPTATION OF HYPERACUSIS QUESTIONNAIRE INTO MALAY LANGUAGE

Abstract

Introduction: A decline in the ability to endure sounds may cause significant negative consequences to the individual as well as their family. When someone with low tolerance hears such noises, it may trigger their fear and anxiety, which could involve avoiding stress. In clinical setting, hyperacusis questionnaire is one of several methods to perceptually assess reduced sound tolerance. Hyperacusis Questionnaire (HQ)  is commonly used to detect and assess hyperacusis, which until recently the English version of the HQ has been translated into Dutch, Swedish and Japanese languages. However, the Malay version is yet to be available. This study aims to develop and validate a Malay version of the HQ that is culturally and linguistically appropriate. Therefore, to accurately diagnose and treat hyperacusis in the Malaysian population, the English version of HQ needs to be translated and adapted into Malay language. Objective: The aim of this study is to translate and adapt the hyperacusis questionnaire (HQ) into Bahasa Malaysia. Methods: Six stages were involved; i) translation process (3 stages), ii) content validation, iii) face validation and iv) reliability test. A total of 20 items were translated. Results: Translation was successfully done and the score of content validity is within the acceptable range. The I-CVI result showed most of the items scored above 0.83 and S-CVI/Ave score was 0.92. All panels from face validation process agreed that the items in the Malay version are suitable to be used to assess hyperacusis among Malaysian population. The reliability of HQ-M was 0.898, indicating excellent internal consistency. Conclusion: The study showed that the Bahasa Malaysia version of HQ is valid, reliable, simple, easy to understand and use for the assessment of hyperacusis in Malay-speaking populations.