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Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Published on: January 25, 2016
[Assessment of hyperacusis: the self-rating questionnaire on hypersensitivity to sound]
C Herráiz1, G de los Santos, I Diges
1Unidad de Otorrinolaringología, Fundación Hospital Alcorcón, Madrid. cherraizp@seorl.org
Background:
Hyperacusis is a decreased sound tolerance. The audiological examination includes the loudness discomfort level measurement and the handicap evaluation, so we introduce the Spanish validation of the german sound intolerance questionnaire.
Objectives:
To update the concept of hyperacusis and to evaluate its handicap through a Spanish validation of the Geräuschüberempfindlichkeit (GUF).
Patients:
Forty patients referred to our Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Clinic in the University Hospital, between October 2004 and February 2005.
Outcome Measures:
The Spanish version of the GUF was performed after transla-tion and retro-translation. Internal consistency and reliability were established.
Results:
Spanish adaptation of the GUF and its subscales (cognitive, somatic behaviour and emotional reaction) showed a high reliability and internal consistency (Cronbach's alfa: 0.9007). Higher GUF scores were statistically demonstrated in hyperacusis patients with hearing loss (p < 0.05) or tinnitus (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
Spanish adaptation of the GUF is valid, reliable and can be used in a clinical setting to quantify the impact of hyperacusis on patient's quality of life.
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