Abstract

Objective: The Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire (NCIQ) is designed to evaluate the quality of life of cochlear implant (CI) patients. This questionnaire evaluates basic voice perception, advanced voice perception, talking and speech production, self-confidence, social activity and social interactions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the NCIQ Questionnaire. Materials and Methods: The present case-control study included 100 post-lingual patients with severe to profound bilateral hearing loss (case group), who underwent CI surgery and 100 patients (control group), who were on the waiting list. At first, the English version of questionnaire was translated into Persian language. Its validity was confirmed and Pearson correlation analysis was used for its internal reliability in different domains. Results: The validity and reliability of questionnaire was proven. The mean scores of the case group were better than the control group in all questions based on the level of education (Pv = 0.000). The differences in mean scores of case group with right ear prosthesis were greater than that of them with left ear, in the areas of activity (P value = 0.049), social interactions (P value = 0.039) and self-confidence (P = 0.043). Therefore, the NCIQ in Persian language is a valid measure to evaluate health-related quality of life in adult cochlear implant users. Conclusion: The NCIQ is a valid and reliable tool for examining various aspects of the quality of life of Persian-speaking cochlear implant patients.