The Persian Version of the Inventory of Hyperacusis Symptoms: The Translation Process, Psychometric Properties, and Diagnostic Criteria in Compared with Hyperacusis Questionnaire

One of the important loudness perception problems is hyperacusis. It is generally defined as sensitivity to average-intensity sounds, which are perceived as excessively loud or uncomfortable. Assessing symptoms of sound intolerance and their impact on patients’ lives is crucial. The study aims to determine the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the Inventory of Hyperacusis Symptoms (IHS), assess its validity in differentiating normal-hearing and hyperacusis adults, and measure its cutoff point.

The questionnaire was translated according to the international quality of life assessment protocol. After determining both qualitative and quantitative face validity and content validity, it was completed by 120 adults (60 with normal hearing and 60 with hyperacusis) to evaluate the differential validity and reliability. The reliability assessment was conducted using the test-retest method for all participants. For assessing the convergent validity, the correlation of the Persian IHS score with the score of the Hyperacusis Questionnaire (HQ) was evaluated.

The questionnaire had good face validity and content validity. The Cronbach coefficient α was 0.93 for the overall scale. The Interclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC=0.97) confirmed reliability. The cutoff point of the Persian IHS score was 48, with 91% sensitivity and 96% specificity. Additionally, a strong significant correlation was found between the scores of IHS and HQ (r=0.82).

The Persian version of the IHS has high validity and reliability for use in hyperacusis clinics and research.