Development of Quality of Life Questionnaire in English and Kannada for Children Using Hearing Devices

Abstract

Aim and objectives: The goal of the present study was to develop a detailed condition-specific quality of life questionnaire in English and Kannada for children in India (aged 3 to 16 years) who use hearing devices. Method: The questionnaire was developed using two phases. The questionnaire was divided into three main domains: physical functioning, psychological functioning, and social functioning. Then questions were finalized in English after content validation by experts and parents of children with hearing impairment. It was translated in Kannada using the widely acknowledged American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) guidelines. Results: The results of the content validation revealed that the developed questionnaire was contextually relevant. With the help of experts, a 29-item English questionnaire was developed, which was then translated to obtain a Kannada version. Conclusion: In conclusion, a clinician would be able to effectively evaluate how a child's quality of life is affected by their hearing loss with the help of the questionnaire developed oin the current study.