Validation and Reliability of the Malay Version Device-Oriented Subjective Outcome Scale: A Preliminary Study

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Hearing Science
• Health Services Research

Background:

• The Device-Oriented Subjective Outcome (DOSO) scale measures hearing aid performance, including communication ease, satisfaction, and listening effort.
• Validating culturally specific versions of assessment tools is crucial for accurate outcome measurement in diverse populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To translate and culturally adapt the DOSO scale into Malay.
• To assess the content validity, face validity, and reliability of the Malay version of the DOSO scale for Malaysian hearing aid users.

Main Methods:

• Expert review by eight audiology specialists.
• Content validity index (CVI) and scale-level CVI/Ave calculation.
• Face validity testing with 33 hearing aid users and test-retest reliability with seven participants.
• Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency analysis.

Main Results:

• High content validity (CVI: 0.62–1.00; S-CVI/Ave: 0.90).
• Strong face validity (I-FVI: 0.67–1.00; S-FVI/Ave: 0.88) and comprehension clarity (0.86).
• Excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α: 0.77–1.00).

Conclusions:

• The validated Malay DOSO scale is a culturally appropriate and reliable instrument for assessing hearing aid outcomes in Malaysia.
• The scale is suitable for use in both clinical and community settings.
• Further research with diverse populations is recommended for enhanced generalizability.