Validation of criteria and construct for the creation of a questionnaire on noise exposure

Abstract

Introduction: Recreational noise exposure and its impact on hearing is a problem that the investigation is paying more and more attention to. Aim: To determine the validity of the criteria and construct for the questionnaire on recreational noise exposure (CHAR) and the factors associated. Materials and Methods: We conducted a validation study for the questionnaire, transversal, using university students. The protocol included audiometric evaluation, consultation on auditory symptoms related to noise exposure and the “CHAR” ques- tionnaire. We constructed it using logistic regression models, obtaining their respective areas under the ROC curve. Results: It included 258 students in the audiology program. The presence of notch at 4 kHz in the right ear obtained an area under the curve corresponding to 0.72 (95% CI: 0.60-0.84) while in the contralateral ear, it was 0.57 (95% CI: 0.49-0.65). The auditory symptoms present after attending concerts could influence measures of validity. Conclusion: The “CHAR” questionnaire allows for discrimination for the presence of notch in the 4 kHz frequency in the right ear. The cutoff score will depend on the objectives for the use of the instrument; to guide the diagnosis or screening.