The Hebrew version of the Eustachian tube dysfunction questionnaire-7

Background: Eustachian tube (ET) dysfunction is a common condition that can lead to significant morbidity, yet few reliable instruments are available to measure ET function. History, physical examination and tympanometry are the mainstay tools, with video endoscopy, manometry and sonotubometry used less frequently. Even when combined together, these may be unable to accurately estimate ET function. Questionnaires for assessing pain, organ function and quality of life are considered useful measurements, and they are used routinely in a variety of medical fields, including otolaryngology. The English-language Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire, ETDQ-7, was developed in 2012 and was subsequently included in the assessment of ET function. Objective: To validate a Hebrew version of the ETDQ-7 questionnaire. Methods: The ETDQ-7 questionnaire was translated into Hebrew by a validated method. Native Hebrew speakers with and without ETD were asked to fill in the Hebrew version on 3 separate occasions, and the results were analysed and interpreted. Results: A total of 115 patients filled in the questionnaires. Internal consistency (alpha Cronbach's coefficient) of the first, second and third questionnaires was 0.918, 0.922 and 0.890, respectively. The Interclass Correlation Coefficient for consistency between the first and second questionnaires was 0.930. The area under the ROC curve for the first and second questionnaires was 0.956, representing an excellent discrimination capability. Conclusion: The Hebrew version of the ETDQ-7 showed significant consistency and clinical relevance. It was validated and can now be helpful in the assessment of ET function and the effects of ET manipulations.