The Spanish 12-item version of the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing scale (Sp-SSQ12): adaptation, reliability, and discriminant validity for people with and without hearing loss

Abstract

Purpose Because of the limited number of Spanish validated questionnaires available to assess auditory functionality in daily life situations in adults, the purpose of this study was to investigate the validity and the reliability of the Spanish version of the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing 12 items scale (sp-SSQ12), adapted from the published Spanish SSQ49, and to provide reference data for normal and hearing-impaired populations. Methods The SSQ12 is a self-report questionnaire, consisting of 12 items assessing a range of daily life listening situations. One hundred fifty adults (101 female) with a mean age of 53.9 years (SD 20.3; range 20-88 years) took part in the study. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, validity, and floor and ceiling effects were investigated. Results The sp-SSQ12 questionnaire had high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.95) and test-retest scores were highly correlated (ICC = 0.79). There was minimal evidence of floor and ceiling effects in our sample. Significant differences were observed overall and for the three subscales between normal and hearing-impaired groups. Although some significant differences in SSQ12 scores between groups of participants from different countries, these differences were minimal. Conclusions The sp-SSQ12 questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool that is easy to administer and requires a short time to answer. We recommend the use of this tool for the assessment of functional hearing in the Spanish-speaking population.Implication for rehabilitation Hearing loss impacts people's lives in a number of ways that are captured in the SSQ. The sp-SSQ12 is a valid and reliable tool for assessing everyday listening abilities and limitations experienced by Spanish-speaking adults with hearing loss. The sp-SSQ12 can be incorporated in the hearing rehabilitation process as a tool for evaluating and improving hearing assessment and rehabilitation programs. The sp-SSQ12 can help to identify adults who require a comprehensive hearing assessment.