Translation, validation and cultural adaptation of "The Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7" (ETDQ-7) to Brazilian Portuguese (BR) / Tradução, validação e adaptação cultural do questionário "The Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7" (ETDQ-7) para o português brasileiro (BR)

Abstract Introduction: Chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction can cause several symptoms and middle ear conditions that can impact patient quality of life. It is estimated to be relatively frequent, affecting approximately 5% of adults. The diagnostic tools for this condition are still inadequate. In 2012, McCoul et al. published a questionnaire for the evaluation of Eustachian tube dysfunction named ETDQ-7. They established its replicability and validity. The cutoff point for the diagnosis of chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction was equal to or greater than 14.5, with 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Objective: To translate, adapt and validate the ETDQ-7 questionnaire to Brazilian Portuguese. Methods: We translated the questionnaire into Brazilian Portuguese and applied it to 50 patients, 20 of whom had chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction, and 30 controls. Results: The results obtained with the North-American questionnaire were confirmed in its Brazilian version. The cut-off point for the diagnosis of chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction was ≥14, also exhibiting high sensitivity and specificity, very similar to that of ETDQ-7. Conclusion: It is recommended that ETDQ-7 be used to complement the clinical history of patients with chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction; it can also be used as an important tool for diagnosis, patient follow-up and treatment management.

Resumo Introdução: A disfunção crônica da tuba auditiva pode causar diversos sintomas e doenças de orelha média e impactar a qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Estima-se que é uma morbidade relativamente frequente, acomete cerca de 5% dos adultos. Os instrumentos diagnósticos para essa afecção ainda são insuficientes. Em 2012 McCoul et al. publicaram um questionário para a avaliação da disfunção da tuba auditiva denominado ETDQ-7. Eles demonstraram sua reprodutibilidade e validade. O ponto de corte para o diagnóstico de disfunção de disfunção crônica da tuba auditiva foi de maior ou igual a 14,5 com 100% de sensibilidade e 100% de especificidade. Objetivo: Traduzir, adaptar e validar o questionário ETDQ-7 para o português brasileiro. Método: Traduzimos o questionário para o português do Brasil e o aplicamos em 50 pacientes, 20 com disfunção crônica da tuba auditiva e 30 controles. Resultados: Os resultados obtidos no questionário americano foram confirmados na versão brasileira. O ponto de corte para o diagnóstico de disfunção crônica da tuba auditiva foi maior ou igual a 14, também com alta sensibilidade e especificidade, muito semelhante ao ETDQ-7. Conclusão: Recomenda-se que o ETDQ-7 seja usado como um complemento na história clínica do paciente com disfunção crônica da tuba auditiva e pode ser usado também como uma importante ferramenta para fins de diagnóstico, seguimento de pacientes e manejos no tratamento.

Translation, validation and cultural adaptation of "The Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7" (ETDQ-7) to Brazilian Portuguese (BR).

INTRODUCTION: Chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction can cause several symptoms and middle ear conditions that can impact patient quality of life. It is estimated to be relatively frequent, affecting approximately 5% of adults. The diagnostic tools for this condition are still inadequate. In 2012, McCoul et al. published a questionnaire for the evaluation of Eustachian tube dysfunction named ETDQ-7. They established its replicability and validity. The cutoff point for the diagnosis of chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction was equal to or greater than 14.5, with 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity. OBJECTIVE: To translate, adapt and validate the ETDQ-7 questionnaire to Brazilian Portuguese. METHODS: We translated the questionnaire into Brazilian Portuguese and applied it to 50 patients, 20 of whom had chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction, and 30 controls. RESULTS: The results obtained with the North-American questionnaire were confirmed in its Brazilian version. The cut-off point for the diagnosis of chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction was ≥14, also exhibiting high sensitivity and specificity, very similar to that of ETDQ-7. CONCLUSION: It is recommended that ETDQ-7 be used to complement the clinical history of patients with chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction; it can also be used as an important tool for diagnosis, patient follow-up and treatment management.

Prognostic and Evolutive Factors of Tinnitus Triggered by Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss.

INTRODUCTION: The association between sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) and tinnitus is frequent. Its correlation with the auditory prognosis remains controversial. The objective of the study is to evaluate tinnitus of which onset is concurrent with SSNHL and analyze it as a prognostic factor and its correlation with hearing recovery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted with 30 patients with SSNHL. Serial audiometry was performed and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) was applied at the initial consultation and after treatment. RESULTS: Tinnitus had an incidence of 93.3%, with an initial mean THI of 63.6%. The mean decrease in THI was significant in all scale domains. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the degrees of tinnitus and hearing loss, as well as between hearing recovery percentage in relation to the degree of tinnitus. The correlation of THI gain with the hearing recovery rate was negative (the greater the decrease in the level of tinnitus discomfort, the greater the hearing recovery rate), being significant only in the emotional domain of THI, but showing a poor correlation. DISCUSSION: There was a reduction in the level of tinnitus discomfort, as measured by THI, after treatment of SSNHL. There is a correlation between tinnitus and hearing improvement in patients with SSNHL only in the emotional domain of THI, but this correlation is considered poor. The degree of tinnitus severity as measured by THI was not proportional to the hearing loss and is not a prognostic factor for hearing improvement.