Questionários de auto-avaliação de dificuldades auditivas: questões psicométricas na utilização clínica e em pesquisa

Abstract

Purpose: To show and discuss two questionnaires of self-assessment,adapted to Portuguese and used in the audiologist's clinic practice, especially concerning to the criteria of validity and reliability. They are: Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly e Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit. Methods: A survey of MA dissertations and PHD thesis was dona, where the self-assessment questionnaires were translated and adapted on the Pos Graduation Programs in Audiology from Sao Paulo University, Sao Paulo Federal University and Sao Paulo Catholic University. From this survey on the first adaptations of these questionnaires to Portuguese have been identified and analyzed. Final Comments: The translations and adaptations from the original work have been accurately thoroughly described. The main concern in the studies was about the use of the questionnaires rather than the procedure of the adaptation. However,some adaptations were necessary to make questionnaires,used in Brazil, valid and reliable. It is very important, at the moment, for the Audiology to keep on with the studies and research in order to translate and adapt the self-assessment tools. Some psychometric questions have to be considered, so that the translations can really contribute and add up some knowledge. This research has aimed at the contribution to the knowledge of, psychometric aspects so that the reader and the researcher can have questionnaires to satisfy the strictest criteria of validity and reliability